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ORGANIC SEED COMPANIES PDF Print E-mail
Written by Kristie   
Saturday, 28 January 2012 10:20
I am often asked for sources of organic seeds. My local health food store carries a large selection (lucky me!), however sometimes I get obsessed with growing something that is not common, so I have to rely on internet sources. All these companies emphasize sustainability, strive for genetic integrity, offer an array of varieties, and have consistently high germination rates. In addition, their web sites provide detailed variety descriptions, growing
advice, and interesting stories.

 All have an aversion to GMO seeds and plants, and have either taken the Safe Seed Pledge - a written commitment to sell only non-GM seed - or made public declarations that they will not knowingly sell GM seeds. Some are Certified Organic, while others that are not certified, use organic practices in offering their seeds.

1.  Johnny's Selected Seeds (Maine) - certified organic and employee owned

http://www.johnnyseeds.com <http://www.johnnyseeds.com/>   



2.  Seed Savers Exchange (Iowa) - emphasizes preservation of sometimes
forgotten heirloom varieties, and yes you can even exchange seeds with
others

http://www.seedsavers.org <http://www.seedsavers.org/



3.  Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds (Missouri) - speaks out against GM
"Frankenfoods" and advocates food labeling that has GM content

http://rareseeds.com <http://rareseeds.com/>



4.  Territorial Seed Company (Oregon)

http://www.territorialseed.com <http://www.territorialseed.com/>



5.  Seeds of Change (Rancho Dominguez, California) - certified organic

http://www.seedsofchange.com <http://www.seedsofchange.com/>



6.  Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (Virginia) - small company but offers
unique items and is certified organic

http://www.southernexposure.com <http://www.southernexposure.com/>



7.  Renee's Garden Seeds (Felton, California) - also annual flowers

http://www.reneesgarden.com <http://www.reneesgarden.com/>



8.  Peaceful Valley Farm & Garden Supply (Grass Valley, California) -
promoter of the organic movement and they sell much more than just seeds for
the organic gardener

http://www.groworganic.com <http://www.groworganic.com/>

 

9. High Mowing Seeds is the one at my health food store and someone was nice enough to remind me to add them to the Laughing

http://www.highmowingseeds.com

Last Updated on Saturday, 28 January 2012 12:28
 
NUTRITION TIPS FOR ACTIVE VEGANS PDF Print E-mail
Written by Kristie   
Tuesday, 26 October 2010 18:47
This is an article provided to me by my first guest poster, Sasha Britton, from Gym Source. Thanks Sasha!!

We know that foods derived from animal products (meat, fish, poultry,
eggs and dairy products) aren't necessary to live a long and healthy
life- in fact, quite the contrary. But these protein sources aside,
active people especially should take care to get enough protein into
the diet. After all, when one is training, one is breaking down muscle
tissue (you know this is happening when you feel the "burn;" this is
caused by the buildup of lactic acid in the muscles, which causes them
to break down) and protein is necessary for the recovery and
rebuilding process. Vegan athletes have to pay more attention to
dietary choices and food combinations in order ensure the absorption
of enough high-quality protein. .

What May Be Missing

In addition to protein, vegans may be missing the following nutrients
in their diet:

- iron
- calcium
- vitamins B-12 and D
- zinc

Iron is quite important for building muscle and endurance. If you
aren't going to get this from beef, you're going to have to make sure
you're eating the following on a regular basis:

- whole grain cereals fortified with iron
- legumes (beans, peas and peanuts)
- dried fruit (especially raisins & dates)
- cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage)

In addition, you will want to combine these with foods high in vitamin
C, such as citrus fruits and berries; this will aid your body in
absorbing and utilizing iron.

In lieu of dairy products, instead load up on fortified soy products
as well as leafy greens to keep bones strong with sufficient calcium:
mustard, kale and chard are powerhouse foods in this regard, as well
as dried figs. Sesame seeds are also a decent source of calcium; a
unique form of nut butter made from sesame, called tahini, is
available in many Middle Eastern specialty stores and combines well
with sweet as well as savory foods.

Protein?

Rice and beans together make a complete protein - or almost any
combination of grain and legumes. However, peanuts (which are actually
legumes, not nuts) and soybeans provide complete proteins that are of
the same quality as that derived from fish, poultry, dairy or eggs.
Most tree nuts are also good sources of protein, and provide the
additional benefit of healthy oils, such as omega-3 (also found in
olive oil).

The Tough Ones

Vitamin B-12 is essential for metabolism and making use of the energy
stored in food. Unfortunately, the only reliable source of this
nutrient is in animal-based foods. Whole grains cereals and soy milk
are often vitamin B-12 fortified, but one would have to consume a
great deal in order to get this nutrient in sufficient amounts from
these vegetable-based sources alone. Therefore, vegan athletes may
need to take B-12 supplements.

The same is true of zinc, which is vital for healthy respiratory and
digestive functions. Fortunately, these supplements are not expensive
- so make certain you have these on hand, especially when in training.

by Sasha Britton, for Gym Source, provider of treadmills , arc trainers &
home gyms for over 75 years.

Last Updated on Wednesday, 27 October 2010 08:41
 
Spring Garden Planning PDF Print E-mail
Written by Kristie   
Saturday, 14 August 2010 04:58

Christmas ends, and I get a general feeling of letdown. All those months of shopping, planning, preparation, cooking, wrapping and work whips me up into a frenzy that could only  lead to a big crash when it is all over. But then a small light shines, the gardening catalogs start to come the mail! All winter, I plot and plan the layout, dreaming of the strange and bizarre plants I will try each year. The more unusual it looks, whether it be a flower or vegetable, I gotta have it! Follow this handy link if you are planning your spring garden, it is an easy planning device. You can save multiple garden plans, which is great, since I have garden areas all over my yard. There is no better way to make sure that you are getting organically grown produce than to grow it yourself. And it is great exercise as an added bonus. Let's get planting!

http://www.gardeners.com/on/demandware.store/Sites-Gardeners-Site/default/Link-Page?id=kgp_home
Last Updated on Wednesday, 16 March 2011 11:35
 
Weekday Veg! PDF Print E-mail
Written by Kristie   
Tuesday, 20 July 2010 07:13

We all know the arguments that being vegetarian is better for the environment and for the animals -- but in a carnivorous culture, it can be hard to make the change. For those of you who just cannot give up your meat, there are other options. Not everyone can go whole hog (quite the pun...) and become vegetarian, let alone vegan. We tend to be an "all or nothing" culture, however, there are alternatives. For instance, my family eats mostly vegan at home, but when they go out, they can have other choices.

Graham Hill has a powerful, pragmatic suggestion: Be a weekday veg. Listen to this short video where he describes the the logical choice & enormous benefits of giving up meat just during the week.  Graham Hill is the founder of TreeHugger.com; he travels the world to tell the story of sustainability.

Last Updated on Tuesday, 20 July 2010 07:39
 
EWG's 2010 Sunscreen Guide PDF Print E-mail
Written by Kristie   
Thursday, 03 June 2010 10:02

Is your child covered when they go out in the sun? How about you? I have big concerns about this as my family is a bunch of pale, freckle faced, sensitive skinned bunch of people. We love the outdoors, and putting chemicals on my children's skin, has bothered me for years. It can be tough to weigh the benefits of sunscreen, against possible health consequences in the future. The chemical cocktail that our children are exposed to on a daily basis is ridiculous! If I can lighten this chemical load in any way, I am all for it.

I have been seeing reports on tv about what is the best sunscreen. But they don't give the down and dirty facts. I need names! However, this list is very comprehensive. It talks about what the bad ingredients are, what to look for, and what the Europeans use (hint, they are better than ours...).

This is Environmental Working Group's (EWG) list of the the best sunscreens.

http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/

Last Updated on Sunday, 12 September 2010 08:54
 
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