Organic Guide http://www.organicguide.com A complete guide for anyone interested in leading an organic lifestyle Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:59:29 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.5.1 en One World Award winner to be announced during the Organic World Congress http://www.organicguide.com/blog/news/one-world-award-winner-to-be-announced-during-the-organic-world-congress/ http://www.organicguide.com/blog/news/one-world-award-winner-to-be-announced-during-the-organic-world-congress/#comments Wed, 11 Jun 2008 04:55:59 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1440 With just over one week until the start of the Organic World Congress in Modena, Italy, five finalists for the prestigious One World Award, which is sponsored by IFOAM, have been announced. The award aims to recognize people committed to permanently protecting and conserving the world we enjoy. The five finalists of the One World Award 2008 have all shown extraordinary commitment to protecting the viability of the planet for future generations. In doing so, they have demonstrated that the future of globalization is positive. The finalists are:

Harald Schützeichel started the foundation for solar energy in Ethiopia in 2004 with the aim of supplying the rural population of Africa with energy. He is consistently trying “to help people help themselves” by creating jobs to promote economic development and education.

Anil Rana, started the Janhit foundation in India in 1988, with the aim of providing cleaner drinking water and fighting water pollution. He also started an ecological cultivation program in 2002 to make a contribution to bio diversity.

Lal Emmanuel, started the Nagenahiru foundation in Sri Lanka in 1991, to campaign for the protection and the reforestation of Mangrove woods. To this day, about 15 hectares have been forested. He has also set up a teaching and training center, to educate teenagers about ecological issues.

Master Sheng Lyun, started the Fo Fa Shan foundation in Taiwan in 1995. Using ecological methods tea, vegetables and other agricultural products are cultivated on about 45 hactares of land. The aims of the foundation are the promotion of ecological farming, ecology and conservation, as well as cultural education.

Victor Ananias, opened his first bio store in Turkey about ten years ago and founded the organization Bugday to support the development of ecological farming and environmental protection.

The winner of this exciting competition will receive the first, hand manufactured One World Award statue and prize money of 25,000 euros made available by Rapunzel Naturkost AG. The jury members are: Joseph Wilhelm, founder of Rapunzel Naturkost AG, two previous Nobel Prize winners Vandana Shiva from India and Tewolde Egzeabher from Ethiopia, as well as the IFOAM vice-president Alberto Pipo Lernoud from Argentina.

As the patron of the OWA, IFOAM will lead the selection of the One World Lifetime Achievement Award. The Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledges pioneers and personalities who have played very active roles in the ecology movement and the winner will as well be announced in Modena during the Organic World Congress.

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/blog/news/one-world-award-winner-to-be-announced-during-the-organic-world-congress/feed/ New study predicts climate change will make pesticides more lethal to fish http://www.organicguide.com/blog/news/new-study-predicts-climate-change-will-make-pesticides-more-lethal-to-fish/ http://www.organicguide.com/blog/news/new-study-predicts-climate-change-will-make-pesticides-more-lethal-to-fish/#comments Fri, 30 May 2008 01:54:35 +0000 D Bailey http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1439 Australian scientists have found that fish exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of endosulfan and chlorpyrifos showed significant reductions in the ability to survive in warmer waters. Both endosulfan and chlorpyrifos are commonly used in cotton, horticulture and sugar cane production.

The study published in Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry predicts that global warming will make fish more susceptible to dying from pesticide-contaminated water. According to the study affected fish displayed “erratic swimming…, uncoordinated movement with body quivering, rolling over on sides or back” and loss of the ability to swim upright.

Combine this with the strain already imposed on global fish stocks as a consequence of over-fishing by commercial operators and it’s not difficult to envisage a future without many popular fish varieties.

So, what exactly are endosulfan and chlorpyrifos?

According to the Pesticide Action Network of North America, endosulfan is an antiquated insecticide. Here are some facts about endosulfan:

  • It is highly toxic and persistent
  • It has been banned in the European Union
  • It is used extensively throughout rural U.S., India, China, and many other countries.
  • Studies indicate that it endangers the health and wellbeing of children, farmworkers, and those living proximate to affected areas
  • Poisoning symptoms include headaches, nausea, vomiting, seizures, and in extreme cases unconsciousness and even death
  • It is a suspected endocrine disruptor, with low dose exposure while in the womb being linked to autism, male reproductive harm, and birth defects.

Much like endosulfan, chlorpyrifos is a dangerous yet widely used pesticide. Here are some facts about chlorpyrifos:

  • It is a neurotoxic organophosphate insecticide, acaricide and miticide used to control foliage and soil-borne insect pests on a variety of food and feed crops.
  • About 20 million pounds of chlorpyrifos are applied in the U.S. every year according to the EPA, with about half for agricultural uses and half for residential uses
  • Until recently it was used extensively in homes for pest control (mostly as a termiticide and in pet flea collars)
  • It causes cholinesterase inhibition in humans which can result in nausea, dizziness, confusion, respiratory paralysis and even death.

 
What can be done?
Studies such as this are an important reminder of the need to remove dangerous pesticides from our food chain. Apart from the obvious potentially adverse health consequences associated with pesticide use, their persistent nature means that many of them will continue to wreak environmental havoc long after their initial application. Here are some steps to take if you’re keen to remove pesticides from our food chain:

  • Support organic agriculture
  • Join PANNA.
  • Write to your local politician requesting that endosulfan and chlorpyrifos be banned from use.

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/blog/news/new-study-predicts-climate-change-will-make-pesticides-more-lethal-to-fish/feed/ Growing communities through school gardening http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/growing-communities-through-school-gardening/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/growing-communities-through-school-gardening/#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 04:22:47 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1430 Many schools are benefiting from the natural learning environment provided by the introduction of a school garden. In a joint project involving Growing Communities, Brisbane’s Northey Street City Farm and Health Promotion Queensland, many of Queensland’s local State schools are being encouraged to foster learning environments emphasizing gardening, healthy food choices and outdoor activity. Critical to the success of these projects is the involvement of as many community participants as possible. Each school aims to involve staff, students, P&C, as well as numerous other groups from the broader community. Children participating in school gardening projects enjoy hands on learning, physical activity, fresh air and clean food prepared simply. Inspired teachers also use the garden as a place to teach Maths, Science and English. This is a neat little video for anyone considering starting their own school-based organic gardening project.

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/growing-communities-through-school-gardening/feed/ City kids learn by growing their own food http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/city-kids-learn-by-growing-their-own-food/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/city-kids-learn-by-growing-their-own-food/#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 04:06:30 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1427 One of the best ways for children to learn the importance of making positive food choices is to get them actively involved in growing their own food. That’s exactly what’s happening at Winchester School in Toronto Canada. In this video, Mary Ito reports on how Winchester’s inner city children are being provided with the opportunity to learn about growing their own fruits and vegetables. In doing so, the children learn about soil preparation, planting from seed, bugs, weeds, harvesting and the importance of consuming good foods. All of the food grown by the children is used in the school lunch program. This is a really worthwhile program in which the children benefit from eating fresh produce as well as learning about where their food comes from.

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/city-kids-learn-by-growing-their-own-food/feed/ Reaching out in New Jersey http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/reaching-out-in-new-jersey/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/reaching-out-in-new-jersey/#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 03:53:48 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1424 Mikey Azzara is the Outreach Coordinator for the North East Organic Farming Association of New Jersey. Mikey’s an inspirational young man who’s performing some really important work connecting New Jersey’s organic farmers with the local communities they serve. In his quest to learn more about how our food is grown, as well as the sustainable practices needed to support future generations, Mikey has studied extensively and has also travelled to Italy to learn from Italy’s much-respected organic farmers. Mikey’s rightly proud of his New Jersey roots and with his obvious leadership capacity and stated desire to bring organics to the youth generation, he’s someone we’re bound to hear a lot more of. Keep going Mikey - we’re right behind you!

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/reaching-out-in-new-jersey/feed/ Marin Organic School Lunch Program http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/marin-organic-school-lunch-program/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/marin-organic-school-lunch-program/#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 03:40:33 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1421 There are some exciting models emerging within the organic community. Some of these aim to connect local farmers with schools. A wonderful - and hugely successful - example of this type of model exists in Marin County. Marin Organic are an association of farmers, ranchers, agriculture advisers and marketing experts. The organization serves the local community by linking growers with local consumers. In this video, Scott Davidson, School Lunch Program head, explains how Marin Organic is forming a bridge between organic farmers and local schools. Apart from helping to provide approximately 12,000 children each week with nutritious locally produced food, the program also enables children to learn about, and connect with, where their food comes from. Great stuff!

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/marin-organic-school-lunch-program/feed/ Better food in schools http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/better-food-in-schools/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/better-food-in-schools/#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 03:19:01 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1418 In most Western countries we treat the symptoms, rather than identifying and addressing the root causes, of disease. It’s no surprise that the leading cause of premature death in Western society is heart disease. Our never-ending quest for efficiency, convenience and uniformity is making us sick. We’re overweight, we’re stressed and we’re tired. In this video, four children let us know that they are aware of the problem and would like us to do something about it. They’re asking for better foods to be served in schools. It’s a simple yet important message they have to share. With so much of our children’s learning taking place in the school environment these days surely it makes sense to teach the benefits of consuming positive foods from an early age?

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/better-food-in-schools/feed/ Zestful Gardens http://www.organicguide.com/videos/gardening-outdoors/zestful-gardens/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/gardening-outdoors/zestful-gardens/#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 03:07:21 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1415 Community Supported Agriculture provides a great way for people from local communities to invest in and share the benefits and risks associated of small scale organic farming. When you invest in CSA you are partnering with your local farmer. How does it work? Basically, you pay a portion of your local farmers operating costs during the winter months. This entitles you to enjoy a portion of the produce when it is harvested. This interesting video provides a tour of Zestful Gardens, a 30-acre farm situated in the heart of the Puyallup Valley in Tacoma, Washington. They produce some wonderfully fresh organic vegetables, including a number of heirloom varieties. If you’re a local, why not get in touch with them by checking out their website.

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/gardening-outdoors/zestful-gardens/feed/ GROFUN - a Bristol community gardening initiative http://www.organicguide.com/videos/gardening-outdoors/grofun-a-bristol-community-gardening-initiative/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/gardening-outdoors/grofun-a-bristol-community-gardening-initiative/#comments Mon, 12 May 2008 02:50:28 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1412 How about this for a great idea - GROFUN. What does it stand for? Growing Real Organic Food in Urban Neighborhoods. This grass-roots project, which started in Bristol, brings together neighbors and locals with the aim of growing organic produce for everyone to consume and enjoy. It’s a simple idea, but it’s the sort of community involvement and shared sense of responsibility that really makes a place livable. It’s nice to see so many people come together for a common goal. And the range of skills brought to bear certainly makes projects such as this entirely more manageable. One of the things that strikes me in this video is the capacity for projects such as this to bring together all manner of people. Great stuff GROFUN!

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/gardening-outdoors/grofun-a-bristol-community-gardening-initiative/feed/ Organic farming on the rise in India http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/organic-farming-on-the-rise-in-india/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/organic-farming-on-the-rise-in-india/#comments Sun, 11 May 2008 22:26:04 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1409 With the global demand for organic food continuing to outstrip supply, it comes as no surprise that India is emerging as an important supplier of staple and commodity-based organic food items. However, with the dramatic increase in the number of farms coming under organic management in India, the country’s training systems are being stretched to the limit. This video looks at the increasingly important role India is playing in global organic markets and how, through the formation of large family-based partnerships, it intends to continue its growth. The video also addresses the often-overlooked reasons regarding why chemical intensive agriculture was becoming untenable (and unsustainable) in many regions within India.

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/organic-farming-on-the-rise-in-india/feed/ Organic farming on the Isle of Man http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/organic-farming-on-the-isle-of-man/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/organic-farming-on-the-isle-of-man/#comments Sun, 11 May 2008 22:07:28 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1406 Andrew Moore is an organic farmer from Balladoole on the Isle of Man. Concerned with the quality of food available, Andrew switched to organic farming several years ago. In this video he explains why he made the switch from conventional to organic farming, what the switch entailed for him, as well as the traditional seven year crop rotation cycle he now uses to maintain soil fertility. We’re also introduced to the beautiful Belted Galloways he rears on his farm. I think this video will make you wish you lived on the Isle of Man. At the very least, I’m sure you’ll be left wishing you could routinely access the wonderful fresh produce (spuds, beetroots, cabbages, and turnips) Andrew sells at the local farmers’ markets. This is great viewing!

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/organic-farming-on-the-isle-of-man/feed/ Following the trail of the genetic conspiracy - Part 3 http://www.organicguide.com/videos/eco-green/following-the-trail-of-the-genetic-conspiracy-part-3/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/eco-green/following-the-trail-of-the-genetic-conspiracy-part-3/#comments Sun, 11 May 2008 21:18:41 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1402 Europe is not immune from Monsanto’s political and bureaucratic influence. Part 3 of this series explores the pressure exerted by U.S. GM companies in Europe. It also looks at claims made by these biotech companies that GM soy would require lower doses of herbicides and contrasts this claim with the Argentinean experience. Argentina’s soy farmers, who were among the first to adopt GM technology 10 years ago, are now faced with having to use increasingly large quantities of chemical herbicides to control herbicide resistant super weeds.

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/eco-green/following-the-trail-of-the-genetic-conspiracy-part-3/feed/ Following the trail of the genetic conspiracy - Part 2 http://www.organicguide.com/videos/eco-green/following-the-trail-of-the-genetic-conspiracy-part-2/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/eco-green/following-the-trail-of-the-genetic-conspiracy-part-2/#comments Sun, 11 May 2008 19:21:24 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1399 What is Monsanto’s relationship with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration? How about Monsanto’s relationship with Washington’s power brokers? In Part 2 of this series, the links between former Monsanto Executives, senior U.S. Bureaucrats and Politicians is considered. Watch out for the interview with Andrew Kimbrell from the Center for Food Safety. Andrew raises some very serious concerns regarding the independence of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/eco-green/following-the-trail-of-the-genetic-conspiracy-part-2/feed/ Get behind The Organic Center’s Mission 2010 http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/get-behind-the-organic-centers-mission-2010/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/get-behind-the-organic-centers-mission-2010/#comments Sun, 11 May 2008 18:40:19 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1393 The Organic Center performs a crucial role in combatting the myths routinely espoused and actively promoted by today’s global agrochemical companies. The Organic Center undertakes and commissions scholarly research across all aspects of both organic and conventional agriculture. As such, they are particularly well positioned to provide relevant insights into the benefits of leading an organic lifestyle. The following video provides a synopsis of the work performed by The Organic Center as well as offering some robust data supporting organic food consumption. It also introduces the Center’s Mission Organic 2010, which aims to increase organic food consumption in the US from its current level of 3% to 10% by 2010. This is a really worthwhile mission and we strongly encourage you to get behind the Organic Center by registering your details with them today.

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/food-community/get-behind-the-organic-centers-mission-2010/feed/ Visiting a shade grown certified organic coffee plantation http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/visiting-a-shade-grown-certified-organic-coffee-plantation/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/visiting-a-shade-grown-certified-organic-coffee-plantation/#comments Sun, 11 May 2008 18:19:21 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1389 Shade grown coffee requires higher levels of commitment to sustainable land management practices than conventional coffee growing. In this video, Gary Stenlin introduces us to La Patriana, the only certified bird friendly organic coffee plantation in Costa Rica. As Gary explains, shade grown coffee requires significantly higher labor inputs than conventionally grown coffee. This benefits the local community of San Ramon in a number of important ways, not the least of which is through its capacity to deliver employment and training opportunities to local people. If you’re someone who is contemplating a semester abroad, you might like to check out some of the experiential learning opportunities provided by Earth Education International.

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/visiting-a-shade-grown-certified-organic-coffee-plantation/feed/ Using compost liquid to control fungus http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/using-compost-liquid-to-control-fungus/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/using-compost-liquid-to-control-fungus/#comments Sun, 11 May 2008 18:05:21 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1386 The main threat to black pepper crops is the fungus Phytophthora capsici. This particular fungus causes root and crown rot in black pepper crops. In this video, Jose Elanjhimattam, an organic farmer from Kerala, India explains how, by applying the liquid captured from his compost heap, he is able to effectively eliminate the impact of the fungus on his organically grown black pepper crops. He also explains how the worm castings from the compost heap provide a rich source of soil nutrients.

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/using-compost-liquid-to-control-fungus/feed/ Sourcing nitrogen-rich manure and biogas from cow dung http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/sourcing-nitrogen-rich-manure-and-biogas-from-cow-dung/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/sourcing-nitrogen-rich-manure-and-biogas-from-cow-dung/#comments Sun, 11 May 2008 17:42:19 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1382 Like many organic farmers, Jose Elanjhimattam is both a practical and abundantly resourceful man. Starting with cow dung, Jose has created an ingenious system that simultaneously captures and separates nitrogen-rich organic manure and methane gas. Unlike dried cow dung, which tends to lose nitrogen throughout the drying process, the liquefied organic manure produced through Jose’s slurry provides soil with far higher levels of nitrogen. Additionally, the methane gas removed is used as a form of fuel. Jose estimates that the dung from two cows is sufficient to provide enough biogas to support the cooking requirements of a family of four. Resourceful, intelligent, simple – great stuff!

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/sourcing-nitrogen-rich-manure-and-biogas-from-cow-dung/feed/ Studying organic agriculture at Michigan State University http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/studying-organic-agriculture-at-michigan-state-university/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/studying-organic-agriculture-at-michigan-state-university/#comments Sun, 11 May 2008 17:21:53 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1375 Michigan State University’s Student Organic Farm is a 4-season farm that was started in 1999 by a group of students (and dedicated staff) keen to put into practice the concepts they were learning (and being taught) in the classroom. The farm provides students with an opportunity to learn the principles of organic farming through completion of a certificate program and by participating in a range of community supported agricultural initiatives. This short video, accompanied by some neat toe-tapping music, gives us a look at this beautiful farm. Not surprisingly, the farm relies on volunteers to remain viable. If you’re keen to volunteer, or if you’ve been thinking about taking a course in organic agriculture, please check out their website. MSU certainly looks like a great place to study organic farming.

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/agriculture-business/studying-organic-agriculture-at-michigan-state-university/feed/ Following the trail of the genetic conspiracy – Part 1 http://www.organicguide.com/videos/eco-green/following-the-trail-of-the-genetic-conspiracy-%e2%80%93-part-1/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/eco-green/following-the-trail-of-the-genetic-conspiracy-%e2%80%93-part-1/#comments Sun, 11 May 2008 10:47:40 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1369 Although the large biotech companies - Monsanto in particular - continue to claim that genetically modified foods pose no risk to human health, much of the research on which these claims have been based has been called into question. In this video, Masaharu Kawata, Professor of Microbiology from Japan’s University of Nagoya critically analyses Monsanto’s research. He concludes that the research provided by Monsanto to the Japanese Government, which culminated in the release of genetically modified soy into Japan during the early 1990s, was misleading. Professor Kawata outlines significant discrepancies between Monsanto’s US-based research and that which was provided to Japan’s Health Authorities. Professor Kawata concludes that Monsanto deliberately intended to defraud Japanese consumers by withholding research linking genetically modified soy with allergies and some forms of cancer.

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]]> http://www.organicguide.com/videos/eco-green/following-the-trail-of-the-genetic-conspiracy-%e2%80%93-part-1/feed/ Organic Cotton - Moral Fibre Part 1 http://www.organicguide.com/videos/living-relaxing/organic-cotton-moral-fibre-part-1/ http://www.organicguide.com/videos/living-relaxing/organic-cotton-moral-fibre-part-1/#comments Sun, 11 May 2008 10:20:45 +0000 Alex Johnson http://www.organicguide.com/?p=1364 Cotton is grown from Brazil to West Africa. Unfortunately, the conditions for cotton growers in many of the world’s poorer regions are not the same as those enjoyed in, for example, the United States. Organophosphate and organochloride pesticides are routinely applied to conventional cotton crops in many developing countries. This is despite the fact that these chemicals have long since been banned in Western countries. It is estimated that 220,000 farmers die from pesticide poisoning each year, while approximately 1 million farmers suffer from adverse health consequences as a result of pesticide exposure. The following documentary, which was produced by the UK’s Pesticide Action Network, looks at the differences between organic and conventional cotton production. Many of the conventional cotton farmers interviewed were afraid to discuss their experiences. Those that do talk recount the burning sensation in their lungs, arms, and faces following pesticide application on cotton fields. It’s good to see leading fashion designers support organic cotton production.

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