Surviving the Winter Without the Farm Stand

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Hurricane Sandy successfully blew away large remnants of fall and has ushered in cooler temperature, which ultimately will signal the season’s end for local farm stands, especially in the mid-Atlantic region.  Although we welcome the change of seasons, we will miss the local fresh vegetables and fruits  supplied by local farmers.  I would like to say a special thank you to Patrick Padilla of Home Grown Produce on Patuxent Road in Odenton, Maryland. for making this summer and fall special with such a bounty of produce.

This farm stand just opened this summer, and owner, Patrick Padilla, has done a wonderful job of stocking the best corn, tomatoes, green beans, cucumbers, etc., that can be found in the area.  With the support of the local community and the press (http://odenton.patch.com/articles/fresh-produce-for-sale-on-patuxent-road), Padilla has maintained a steady business throughout the summer and fall.  In addition to receiving excellent service, it was great to be able to get produce that was literally “just picked,” with freshness and taste that cannot be found in any grocery store.  Also, this farm stand served as a place to meet people interested in fresh vegetable and fruit products, who often were eager and willing to share recipes and stories about cooking.  Patrick even posted recipes on a dry erase board at the stand.

Home Grown Produce will be closing for the season on November 4th, and you can bet there will be a lot of people counting the days until it reopens next year.  After researching and learning so much about the benefits of purchasing local produce, Homegrown Produce has provided me with the perfect “laboratory” to test my research findings and to experience these benefits firsthand.  This indeed is a great way to live green, be green.

Home Grown Produce’s fall bounty.

Sandy, the Post-Tropical Cyclone

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Perhaps the use of new and more ominous terminology will convince nonbelievers that global warming caused by climate change is a reality.  There is a possibility that our senses no longer are stimulated to initiate our fear and defense mechanisms when we hear terms like hurricane, tropical storm or even thunderstorm.  However, one has to admit that “post-tropical cyclone” wakes you up, as does tsunami and derecho.  The latter word even forces you to click on the online dictionary or Wikipedia so as to be informed of its meaning.  For those of you clicking those sites now, it is a fast-moving violent thunderstorm complex, a counterpart to a tornado, that creates wind damage along a swath of more than 240 miles and produces wind gusts of at least 58 miles per hour.

Whatever the terminology needed to stimulate the senses of the global warming nonbelievers, it is difficult to imagine that anyone can look at the pictures of the storm aftermath in places like New York City and New Jersey (especially Atlantic City) and not realize that global warming with its extreme weather occurrences is for real.  Let’s face it, even staunch Republican Chris Christie had a come-to-Jesus moment.  I applaud him for totally putting aside political concerns and recognizing that the damage he sees today is for real, not a movie set of post-apocalyptic New Jersey.  Hopefully, this experience will initiate conversation on strategies to make the environmental changes necessary to “turn the tide” in that state.

While some people still will point out that storms of this magnitude have occurred before, such as a similar occurrence on Long Island in 1938, experts agree that this storm delivered the worst damage in history to low-lying coastal areas.  It shattered records going back to 1969 in terms of kinetic energy, which is a measurement of wind speed integrated over the width of an area where the wind is blowing.  Also, it set a record in New York for the worst hurricane since the city was founded in 1624 due to its 9 foot storm surge on top of high tide, bringing water levels to 13.88 feet in the Battery.

It remains clear that proponents of green living support the movement to address issues of global warming and climate change and do not need catastrophic weather events to recognize that we need to take positive steps to save our planet.  They will do that anyway for many reasons, whether they be practical, moral, ethical, spiritual, economical or what have you.  However, let’s face it, now that Heaven and Earth have spoken, what more proof do the nonbelievers need?

In the coming days, let’s be safe, think green and live green.

Post-tropical cyclone attacks New York

 

Vegetarians Do Live Longer

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This is good news Monday, and today’s good news (which was not easy to find with Hurricane Sandy dominating the news) is that people who move away from animal-based diets to plant-based diets can expect to live a decade longer than traditional meat-eaters.  This represents a major conclusion of a series of studies from the Loma Linda University in California which tracked tens of thousands of Seventh Day Adventists since 1958.  Additionally, this research specifically identifies foods in vegetarian diets that can:

  • Reduce an individual’s risk for diseases, such as cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes;
  • Control body mass index; and
  • Boost brain health.

Known as the Adventist Health Study 2, this research project is still underway.  The sample population includes 96,000 people from the United States and Canada.  Seventh Day Adventist members were selected for this study because their religion specifically promotes vegetarianism and discourages drinking, smoking and drug use.  Statistics show that California Vegetarian Adventist men live to an average of 83.3 years and that state’s Vegetarian women to 85.7 years, representing 9.5 and 6.1 years longer, respectively, than other Californians.  This study population also was 25% African-American and half vegetarian.

Other findings of this study are as follows:

  • Vegans generally 30 pounds lighter than meat eaters.
  • Vegans overall have a BMI that is 5 units lighter than meat eaters.
  • Vegetarians and vegans are less insulin-resistant than meat eaters.
  • Lean people are more likely to exercise regularly, eat plants and avoid cigarettes than overweight people.
  • People who limit ingestion of animal products, but eat meat sparingly, have “intermediate protection” against lifestyle diseases.
  • Obesity cuts the lives of African-Americans by 6.2% and across the races, the protective quality of fat in seniors was not observed.

This study presents a very convincing argument on the need to restrict or eliminate the ingestion of animal products largely because it covers such an extensive study period and incorporates a very large and diverse population.  Combined with other evidence on the adverse consequences of meat consumption, including, but not limited to, reduced availability of grains for human consumption, increased carbon footprint, destruction of land by grazing animals, and lack of compassion for animals, the option of vegetarianism or veganism is becoming an important choice for a healthy life and a great way to live green, be green.

The source for this article is http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/12/vegetarians-live-longer-longevity_n_1961967.html?utm_hp_ref=healthy-living.

Eat veggies to live longer!

Get Ready for the Frankenstorm

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This year we have witnessed a record number of named hurricanes.  Fortunately, the United States largely weathered these storms well to date.  Now we face a new and unique challenge.  Hurricane Sandy is barreling toward the east coast as a category 2 hurricane and is expected to make landfall along the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States this Monday or Tuesday.  Unfortunately, it appears that Heaven and Earth are aligning to transform Hurricane Sandy into a monster or “Frankenstorm” just in time for Halloween.

This hurricane is approaching during a full moon which, with its accompanying high tides, will increase Sandy’s storm surge about 20% higher than normal along the eastern seaboard.  This possibly could lead to major flooding and beach erosion.  What makes this storm really special and potentially catastrophic is its position as one player in three weather systems, which include a wintry storm approaching from the west and a frigid air stream traveling south from Canada.  If these three weather phenomena meet on Tuesday morning in the vicinity of New York and New Jersey, forecasters predict a huge, prolonged soaking mess that will settle over the northeast and spread as far as western Ohio.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration goes on to say that there are no modern precedents for what the storm models are suggesting.  This incoming storm is a clear example of the weather situations predicted by environmentalists, scientists and proponents of climate change.  It is unfortunate that these experts still do not have the ear of government and public policy experts, who possibly with the acknowledgement of the contribution of human factors to climate change, would do more to find solutions to this growing problem.  Hopefully, now that Heaven and Earth are speaking louder than ever and in unique fashion, maybe everyone will listen.

Let’s try to get prepared for this storm and stay safe, and as always, let’s live green, be green.

War on Organics Continues

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The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has released a new report which concludes that there is “no evidence that organic foods provide nutritional benefits that children cannot get from conventionally grown foods”.  The report does acknowledge that organic foods have lower pesticide levels, but parents should ensure that their children are getting a healthy diet, organic or not.

While it is understandable that parents have to consider the cost of foods and that many organic foods typically cost 10% to 40% more than conventional foods, there are some other alternatives to getting wholesome fruits and vegetables.  The first of these is to buy fruits and vegetables from local farmers.  These products are readily at hand and do not have to travel long distances to get to market, thereby reducing their carbon footprint and not requiring harmful preservatives.  Secondly, most farmers markets have rules for participants enacted by state legislatures to control the runoff of pesticides and fertilizers into lakes and rivers.

Interestingly, I see another issue here that concerns acceptable farming practices.  Despite the long history of farming and gardening in America, which predates industrialization and the growth of mega-businesses and regionally located supermarket chains, we have come to the point where “conventional” defines the manipulated and engineered products as oppose to the natural products, which now are made to be the exception.  Moreover, although we know that pesticides and fertilizers are chemicals, and specifically that the purpose of pesticides is “to kill or destroy” things, we choose to debate the level of destruction our bodies can “safely” tolerate.  I find it disappointing that so many people are willing to relinquish control over their bodies and their children’s health based on the levels of tolerable damage possible for the sake of convenience and cost.  This is making our health through good nutrition a crap shoot.

I know that it may not be possible to only buy organic fruits and vegetables, but we do not have to totally throw caution to the wind.  Maybe buy organic berries because they are easier to clean for consumption.  Another alternative is to only buy the organic versions of the products that our families consume in large supply.  Also, please do not forget the local farm stands and farmers markets.

The effort to maintain a healthy diet can become difficult if you let it.  However, with the use of some research from green initiatives and a little common sense, it is possible to have a healthy diet and save money.  Let’s stick with the green movement to make sure we live green, be green!

The source for this article came from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2012/10/15/peds.2012-2579.

Food Labeling Controversy

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I think it is amazing that in the year 2012, there would be a contentious debate going on in this country regarding the rights of consumers to know whether or not their food contains genetically modified organisms (GMOs).  This controversy will appear on the ballot in the upcoming California general election.  If passed, it will require “labeling of foods sold to consumers made from plant or animals with genetic material changed in specific ways”.  It also would prohibit “marketing such foods, or other processed food, as ‘natural’.

Proponents of Prop 37 voice concerns that GMOs have been linked to allergies and other health problems, while opponents of the measure state that there is no scientific evidence that processed food with traces of GMOs pose a danger to humans.  The major issue posed by the opponents lies in the costs of regulation and verification, which would be the responsibility of the retailers and an undue burden to smaller stores and businesses.

The amazing part of this debate is that there is such a discussion going on questioning consumers’ rights to know what is in their food.  Also, I find it interesting that this is a big issue in America while 50 other countries in the world (which represents 40% of the world’s population) presently require GMO labeling.  These countries include all of Europe, Japan, India and China.  Also polls here show that 90% of Americans want to know if their food is genetically engineered.

In our present tumultuous political climate, we hear politicians at all levels making promises about what they will do for us and our country if elected.  Maybe we all should take a step back and question how these people want to help us in all these other areas but are willing to bend to big business and violate such a basic right as access to information regarding the contents of the food we eat.  We have the right to make informed decisions about our nutrition and it is up to us ensure this is the case and that our rights are not violated.  This is 2012, not the dark ages.  Access to facts on our food content is crucial to being able to live green, be green.

 

LGBG Ventures into Green Job Recruitment

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Today on good news Monday, LGBG by PMD is excited to announce that the company will soon provide green job placement services. The decision to do this is a natural progression in the team’s focus on learning new things and using that knowledge to advance the causes of the green movement.

Over the past year, we have researched and shared information on all things green, celebrating the positives and making our audience aware of the problems that need to be addressed. Our discussions have included legislative issues, practical home and business solutions to green living, as well as conversations on sustainable energy and climate change, just to name a few. It is apparent to us that green initiatives now are entrenched in our society, and with that said, there are many opportunities for employment in green jobs. A review of several recruitment and employment boards, however, indicates that most companies tend to throw the green jobs in with all the other employment opportunities. Our team would like to see a job service that exclusively devotes itself to the green market sector with a platform that services both companies looking to hire and job seekers.

We feel that such a service will save time for job hunters committed to finding green jobs because they will not have to wade through tons of useless ads that are not applicable to them. Also for businesses looking to hire, they will not be bogged down with ads from other businesses totally unrelated to green initiatives. Our site will be exclusively green. It is our promise that any company listed on our site will meet the standards of being a green company. Conversely, potential employees referred to these businesses will be carefully screened to make sure that they meet the requirements for jobs offered by any potential employer.

Mahatma Gandhi said “Be the change you want to see”. Our team at LGBG by PMD wants to see a healthy green world, and we feel that our new venture into green job recruitment represents a great opportunity to positively advance the green movement so that we all can live green, be green.

Put Green in Halloween

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Halloween is a fun holiday for children and adults, and with just a little over a week left before the big day, many people have shifted into high gear to make the celebration festive.  It is important to be green conscious with Halloween plans so that we protect the environment and stay safe.  Here are a few tips to have a healthy and happy Halloween:

  • Make sure any store-bought costumes and makeup are safe.  Many of the costumes, masks and ornaments on the market, particularly those manufactured in China, contain some levels of lead.  Several new reports out this week noted the seizure by U.S. Customs and Border Protection of shipments of pirate costumes with lead in ornamentation, masks and props, such as swords.  The best way to avoid lead contamination in products is to buy costumes made in America or to make costumes at home.  I think it is important to note that store-bought costumes are permitted to have some levels of lead, but I feel that avoidance of this toxic substance altogether is the safest route to take.  The same is true for face paint.  These products often contain lead and other heavy metals and can be toxic, causing allergic reactions.  Make sure your face paint is organic.  The healthiest alternative is to avoid face paint altogether if you are unsure of the ingredients, or go to the website, Big Green Purse Blog at http://blog.biggreenpurse.com/biggreenpurse/2009/10/make-your-own-green-halloween-face-paint-.html to get reliable information on safe face painting.
  • Be careful about lighting.  While tea light candles in decorator bags lining a pathway are scenic, they pose a danger to trick-or-treaters.  Instead, try LED lights, which are safe for the kids and the environment.
  • Swap or donate costumes.  Once Halloween is over, consider swapping out used costumes with friends, or neighbors.  An alternative is to donate used costumes and props to local theater groups.
  • Try natural decorations.  While the plastic pumpkins and ghosts may seem like a bargain, they are not good for the environment.  This year try natural decorations with real pumpkins, bales of straw and corn husks.  As a bonus, these decorations can double for Halloween and Thanksgiving.  Some clever fall decorating ideas can be found on Pinterest.  Remember to save the pumpkin seeds to eat later after carving pumpkins.  Roasted pumpkins make a delicious and healthy snack.

These are just a few tips for an environmentally healthy and happy Halloween.  Let’s put green into our orange and black celebration so that everyday we live green, be green.

Green Talk in the Second Presidential Debate

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The green movement deserves a pat on the back today because we gained some traction in the second presidential debate.  Thanks to the efforts of many environmentalist organizations and conservationists, some of the concerns voiced by these groups were discussed.  This undoubtedly was made possible by the town hall-style of the debate with the questions posed by ordinary citizens.

It was refreshing to hear discussion on the government’s regulations on gas pricing, and it was important to learn that inasmuch as oil is a global commodity, with its prices set by a global energy market, any presidential administration has minimal impact on gas and oil prices.  Also, 65% of the cost of oil and gas is set by the market with the difference attributed to distribution, delivery and other local market concerns.  We do know that our economy is held hostage to oil price shocks over which we have no control.  The one solution to this problem is to reduce our dependence on oil.

Unfortunately, most of last night’s debate discussion on green concerns were limited to the oil and gas industry.  Once again, the subject of climate change was ignored.  Maura Cowley, executive director of the Energy Action Coalition, a group of youth-led environmentalist and social justice groups remarked, “[i]t’s preposterous that both candidates spent so much of the precious few minutes dedicated to energy policy tonight fighting over whose vague plan would fry the planet”.  Proponents of the green movement know that America must seek alternative energy solutions.  We no longer can rely on oil, gas and coal.  The future of our planet mandates clean energy, such as wind and solar power and biofuels.

Although the green initiatives did not get the full dialogue it deserved last night, at least the subject made it into the conversation.  It remains more important than ever that we, as citizens, incorporate green into our daily lives to save the planet.  To do this, let’s live green, be green.

A Cardboard What?

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How about this for an idea. Let’s make a mode of transportation that is ideal for huge metropolis’, has no impact on the environment, and is made completely from recyclable materials. Oh yea, and it has to cost less than $20. As crazy as this checklist sounds, a man by the name of Izhar Gafni has created just that in the form of a full functioning cardboard bicycle.

After witnessing a prototype for a cardboard canoe, Gafni used his engineering background to construct a similar prototype for a bicycle. Similar to origami, in which each fold can up to triple the strength of the apparatus, the bicycle can hold up to 308lbs or 140kgs. The end result is that Gafni has created a mode of transportation that is lightweight, utilizes completely recyclable materials, and costs under $20. In order to weatherproof the bicycle, an application of paint and water sealant is used so that the cardboard itself is not turned to pulp.

The greatest potential impact the bicycle can have is in bustling cities already ripe with congestion and smog. The cardboard bicycle provides a clean and efficient way for getting from point A to B while also saving natural resources. And while its price tag seems inexpensive enough as it is, some governmental recycling programs could even make the device free in certain countries. Overall, not only is this idea genius for its use of recyclable materials, but more importantly because it does not sacrifice functionality or cost in order to do so.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/article/cardboard-bicycles-extreme-green-on-wheels