The national organic standards were fully implemented in October 2002. After more than a dozen years in the making, these standards give consumers clear and consistent product labeling, as well as the added assurance of a uniform set of standards backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Generally speaking, organic food and fiber products must be made without the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers. Specifically prohibited from organic products are genetically modified organisms, irradiation and the use of sewage sludge; all three practices are permissible in conventional agriculture. Under USDA regulations, certified organic products will be labeled in one of several ways:
100 percent organic: These products have been made using ingredients, processing and handling methods and materials that are in full compliance with the USDA standards for organic agriculture. They will have a label reading “100 percent organic,” and the USDA…
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Who knew this under-appreciated renewable resource was good for so many things? Most are familiar with cork as a bottle stopper. A 1600s French monk named Dom Perignon was the first to have fitted his sparkling wine with this unique bottle sealer, and it has, until recently, been the standard in the wine industry. With times and technology changing, many bottlers have begun to move towards a petroleum derived thermoplastic elastomer as a stopper. The reasons for this are primarily due to the natural properties of cork such as drying over time (allowing some leakage into the bottle) and cork taint, or trichloroanisole (TCA). TCA is caused when microorganisms in the natural cork combine with chemical contaminants used in the production process to kill bacteria. Some places, such as Penfolds, of Australia, have addressed the cork aging issue by holding workshops where consumers can bring in old bottles of wine, have the corks replaced, and even get a small sip to see how the wine is…
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Our firm, focusing on sustainable design for residential and light commercial structures, has become an Architect / Home Plan Designer ENERGY STAR Partner to meet consumer demand for more environmentally friendly choices. ENERGY STAR is recognized by more than 60% of US consumers nationwide, working with over 12,000 public and private sector organizations that ensure energy efficient products and practices help to reduce high energy bills, improve comfort and help to protect the environment. Bonin Architects is proud to be able to recommend energy efficient products to our clients. We are dedicated to educating consumers on preserve the environment by incorporating renewable energy sources such as solar, geothermal, and wind energy products, as well as energy efficient choices for lighting, appliances, and technology.
ENERGY STAR, a joint program of the U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, helps protect the environment through business partners. Products, homes, and buildings that earn… (Read the rest of this article at the following article source link for the full story)
While trying to find gifts for my ‘adopted’ nephews, I came across some adorable organic plush animals by miYim. With lead being found in several toys and all those toxins in plastics, I wanted to get back to some of those more natural toys I grew up with, and I ended up finding some that are probably a bit better. I chose baby ben, a cute raw organic cotton, naturally dyed sage green frog with overalls.
From it’s beginnings as a seed, the organic cotton used for the plush fabric and stuffing is grown without pesticides or herbicides. Because the toys are all natural, toxicity and allergy levels are greatly reduced, lessening instances of sickness or irritation. Also, there is no need to coat the fabric with chemicals; in it’s raw state, the fabric is naturally softer than regular cotton.
They use a process called PureWaterWash™ to achieve their charming colors, dying the unbleached, unprocessed, untreated cotton with nature’s own plants and minerals, including chestnut…
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Last week with the holidays, I missed the “Got Green Mail” segment. My cup overflowed with amazing stories for all green palates to enjoy. Remember, if you have a great green story (which includes your own), display the link in the comment section and give us a quick blurb of what the article is about. Here goes this weeks’ green treats:
National Geographic PSA Video College Student Contest
The National Geographic Channel is sponsoring their second annual “Preserve Our Planet” College Film and PSA Contest for college students.
“Preserve Our Planet is about working together to preserve the environment, and this year’s criteria include a new core idea - “Together We Can Make A Difference” - which students should reflect in their entry films and PSAs. In addition to the cash prize, winners will have the opportunity to screen their work at the annual meeting of the National Geographic Explorers in June 2009, and see their films broadcast nationally as…
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I have always admired my dear friend Paul’s homemade tomato sauce. He is an amazing cook and one of the first ones I call if I don’t know how to prepare something. He knows when I ask him to bring a dish for a party that there is an underwritten rule that he comes with his fabulous ziti and an extra can of tomato sauce for me.
Last year, I tried to make my own sauce by scouring the Internet looking for easy to make hearty tomato sauce recipes. Last year, I wrote an article about my unsuccessful attempt to make a Ragu-like sauce. My kids are so use to eating sauce from a can that they have no idea what a fresh tomato sauce should taste like. Yes, I know this is sad.
I asked my readers to tell me their favorite tomatoes sauce recipes to take me out of my sauce-less misery. I did not receive a lot of replies, but the article was read a lot. Perhaps, there are others who are part of the hopelessly sauce-less group or are…
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Watch this clever animated video with music by MC Lars on how to have a sustainable holiday. Yep. Santa in a Prius! Even if you don’t celebrate Christmas, this video is a must see. Happy Holidays!
Okay. Reality check. Miami is so not green– at least not yet. So what is a greenie to do in a city where Green Street hasn’t hit Main Street? Where can you call home and feel at peace that your casa not only has better indoor air quality, but is also more energy efficient compared to your vecinos?
Hello Baylights. The only Miami Beach residential condominium (that I know of) to be environmentally conscious.
Kim Rodstein, developer and green enthusiast, looked at every aspect of the building process to see where her premier development could reduce its carbon footprint. Originally, Kim wanted the building to be LEED certified, but due to the enormous costs involved in the certification process, she opted to keep purchase prices down and add luxurious, green finishes. From the Energy Star appliances to energy efficient air conditioning and LED/CFL lighting, Baylights has everything to keep maintenance fees and rising energy bills low.
…
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The US Department of Energy’s latest data on our country’s energy production and consumption is quite telling. In 2007, approximately 21% of the energy consumption in the United States was attributed to residential buildings.
Meanwhile, in the period from 2000 to 2007 fossil fuel energy production was reduced 1.46% while consumption increased 1.74%. Renewable energy production did increase 0.72% with consumption increasing 0.76%, less than half of the increased consumption of fossil fuels. Clearly there is room for improvement and an opportunity for homeowners who will be building new homes to lessen the dependency on fossil fuels.
When planning to build a home, one of the most important choices you will make is the type of system you will use to heat and/or cool the home, domestic hot water and the electricity required for lighting and appliances.
Consider renewable energy systems – in particular, a solar, wind, or geothermal energy system. Each system uses abundant natural…
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Turn the Tide is an innovative program that Americans are using to make a difference for our environment. Turn the Tide offers nine simple actions almost anyone can take and then instantly shows the positive impact of each reported action.
None of Turn the Tide’s nine actions involve drastic changes in your life, yet each packs an environmental punch. In fact, every thousand participants prevent the emission of 4,000,000 pounds of climate-warming carbon dioxide every year.
And that’s just one benefit. Turn the Tide participants are also saving thousands of trees, millions of gallons of water, and protecting endangered species, and all through nine simple actions almost anyone can take.
Participation is free. When you sign up, you’ll receive a personal workspace to use to track your actions and impact. You’ll also see the cumulative impact of all participants across North America.
Turn the Tide - 10 Personal Steps
1. Walk, Bike, Carpool… (Drive Less)
2. Eat Less…
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Who knew this under-appreciated renewable resource was good for so many things? Most are familiar with cork as a bottle stopper. A 1600s French monk named Dom Perignon was the first to have fitted his sparkling wine with this unique bottle sealer, and it has, until recently, been the standard in the wine industry. With times and technology changing, many bottlers have begun to move towards a petroleum derived thermoplastic elastomer as a stopper. The reasons for this are primarily due to the natural properties of cork such as drying over time (allowing some leakage into the bottle) and cork taint, or trichloroanisole (TCA). TCA is caused when microorganisms in the natural cork combine with chemical contaminants used in the production process to kill bacteria. Some places, such as Penfolds, of Australia, have addressed the cork aging issue by holding workshops where consumers can bring in old bottles of wine, have the corks replaced, and even get a small sip to see how the wine is…
While trying to find gifts for my ‘adopted’ nephews, I came across some adorable organic plush animals by 
(Read the rest of this article at the following article source link for the full story)
Turn the Tide