Fwd: Organic Bytes: 2010 - The Year of Eating Organically

[Guest guest]

December 30, 2009

Organic Bytes #206: 2010 - The Year of Eating Organically

Health, Justice and Sustainability News

from the Organic Consumers Association

Edited by: Alexis Baden-Mayer and Ronnie Cummins

 

Organic Bytes on the Radio

Organic Consumers on The Huffington Post

Organic Consumers on Common Dreams

 

2010 New Year's Resolution: Boycott Chemical & GMO Foods, Eat Organically

 

In This Issue:

 

Why We Should All Eat More Organic Food

How to Identify Real Organic Food

 

Subscribe | Un | Read Past Issues | OCA Homepage | Donate

 

 

Why We Should All Eat More Organic Food

Organic Food is More Nutritious

Organic foods, especially raw or non-processed, contain higher levels of beta carotene, vitamins C, D and E, health-promoting polyphenols, cancer-fighting antioxidants, flavonoids that help ward off heart disease, essential fatty acids, and essential minerals.

On the average, organic food is 25% more nutritious in terms of vitamins and minerals than products derived from industrial agriculture. Since on the average, organic food's shelf price is only 20% higher than chemical food, this makes it actually cheaper, gram for gram, than chemical food, even ignoring the astronomical hidden costs (damage to health, climate, environment, and government subsidies) of industrial food production. Levels of antioxidants in milk from organic cattle are between 50% and 80% higher than normal milk. Organic wheat, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, onions and lettuce have between 20% and 40% more nutrients than non-organic foods.

Organic food contains qualitatively higher levels of essential minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium), that are severely depleted in chemical foods grown on pesticide and nitrate fertilizer-abused soil. UK and US government statistics indicate that levels of trace minerals in (non-organic) fruit and vegetables fell by up to 76% between 1940 and 1991.

 

Organic Food is Pure Food, Free of Chemical Additives

Organic food doesn't contain food additives, flavor enhancers (like MSG), artificial sweeteners (like aspartame and high-fructose corn syrup), contaminants (like mercury) or preservatives (like sodium nitrate), that can cause health problems.

Eating organic has the potential to lower the incidence of autism, learning disorders, diabetes, cancer, coronary heart disease, allergies, osteoporosis, migraines, dementia, and hyperactivity.

 

Organic Food Is Safer

Organic food doesn't contain pesticides. More than 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues remain on non-organic food even after washing. Children are especially vulnerable to pesticide exposure. One class of pesticides, endocrine disruptors, are likely responsible for early puberty and breast cancer. Pesticides are linked to asthma and cancer.

Organic food isn't genetically modified. Under organic standards, genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are prohibited.

Organic animals aren't given drugs. Organic farming standards prohibit the use of antibiotics, growth hormones and genetically modified vaccines in farm animals. Hormone-laced beef and dairy consumption is correlated with increased rates of breast, testis and prostate cancers.

Organic animals aren't fed animal remains or slaughterhouse waste, blood, or manure. Eating organic reduces the risks of CJD, the human version of mad cow disease, as well as Alzheimer's.

Organic animals aren't fed arsenic.

Organic animals aren't fed byproducts of corn ethanol production (which increases the rate of E. coli contamination).

Organic crops aren't fertilized with toxic sewage sludge or coal waste, or irrigated with E. coli contaminated sewage water.

Organic food isn't irradiated. Cats fed a diet of irradiated food got multiple sclerosis within 3-4 months.

Organic food contains less illness-inducing bacteria. Organic chicken is free of salmonella and has a reduced incidence of campylobacter.

LEARN MORE

 

How to Identify Real Organic Food

 

Look for the USDA Organic Seal or the Words "Made With Organic Ingredients"

When you see the "USDA Organic" seal, you know that the food is at least 95% organic, does not contain genetically modified organisms, was not irradiated, and comes from a farm that:

* Employs positive soil building, conservation, manure management and crop rotation practices.

* Provides outdoor access and pasture for livestock.

* Refrains from antibiotic and hormone use in animals.

* Sustains animals on 100% organic feed.

* Keeps records of all operations.

* Is inspected annually by an accredited Third-Party Organic Certifier.

If it is a multi-ingredient product, it was made at a certified organic processing plant that takes strict measures to avoid contamination of organic products.

Products that are "Made With Organic Ingredients" are at least 70% organic and are also free from genetically modified organisms and food irradiation.

 

Organic Food On a Budget

When comparing prices in the grocery aisles, the organic version of particular items is often 20% on the average more expensive, but if you make a pledge to eat more organic, you'll likely save money overall by eating out at restaurants less often, packing your lunch, and cooking from scratch.

 

LEARN MORE

 

Let Us Know You're Going Organic in the New Year!

 

Organic Consumers Association's Facebook Fan Page

Organic Consumers Association's Facebook Group

Organic Consumers on Twitter

 

PLEASE DONATE!

OCA Needs Your Help to Spread the Organic Revolution

OCA and our national, now international, network of organic consumers and farmers understand that we have a positive life-affirming solution for the global food, health, and climate crisis: organic food, farming, and ranching. But to get out our all-important message we need your support and your donations. So please send us a tax-deductible donation today.

The OCA's yearly fundraiding drive kicked off at the beginning of December, so please help us reach our goal of raising $75,000 by January 1st, 2010!

PLEASE DONATE

 

LOCAL CA NEWS OF THE WEEK

CA - Get Involved Locally

 

Learn more about OCA related action alerts and other news in CA here.

Join CA discussion groups in our forum.

Post events in CA on our community calendar.

 

Message from our Sponsors

Living Tree Community Foods

Dear brothers and sisters,

We invite you to watch Master Live Food Chef Diana Hirsch using Living Tree Tahini to make Alive Hummus. We make our Tahini in Berkeley, a wellspring of the human spirit.

For details about our nut butters, olives and olive oil, we invite you to explore our website.

We invite you to visit us online at www.livingtreecommunity.com or call toll free at 1 800-260-5534

 

 

 

 

 

 

Please forward this publication to family and friends, place it on web sites,

print it, duplicate it and post it freely. Knowledge is power!

Organic Bytes is a publication of Organic Consumers Association

6771 South Silver Hill Drive - Finland, MN 55603 - Phone: 218-226-4164 - Fax: 218-353-7652

You are d as:

Cynthia Krall

Rocklin, CA

cyndikrall

Read past issues and print- friendly PDF versions of Organic Bytes |

Subscribe | Un | Donate

[Guest guest]

Our families new years resolution is not to just eat organically but that will

happen as a side effect of our resolution to eat Local. I will buy meat, fruit

and vegies local and for the most part our local farmers are growing organic or

naturally raised. Our organic produce can be coming from as much as 5000 miles

away and that is just tooooo big a carbon footprint for us.

Cheers

Bina

 

, cyndikrall wrote:

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

December 30, 2009

> Organic Bytes #206: 2010 - The Year of Eating Organically

> Health, Justice and Sustainability News

> from the Organic Consumers Association

> Edited by: Alexis Baden-Mayer and Ronnie Cummins

>

> Organic Bytes on the Radio

> Organic Consumers on The Huffington Post

> Organic Consumers on Common Dreams

>

> 2010 New Year's Resolution: Boycott Chemical & GMO Foods, Eat Organically

>

> In This Issue:

>

> Why We Should All Eat More Organic Food

> How to Identify Real Organic Food

>

>

> Subscribe | Un | Read Past Issues | OCA Homepage | Donate

>

>

> Why We Should All Eat More Organic Food

> Organic Food is More Nutritious

> Organic foods, especially raw or non-processed, contain higher levels of beta

carotene, vitamins C, D and E, health-promoting polyphenols, cancer-fighting

antioxidants, flavonoids that help ward off heart disease, essential fatty

acids, and essential minerals.

> On the average, organic food is 25% more nutritious in terms of vitamins and

minerals than products derived from industrial agriculture. Since on the

average, organic food's shelf price is only 20% higher than chemical food, this

makes it actually cheaper, gram for gram, than chemical food, even ignoring the

astronomical hidden costs (damage to health, climate, environment, and

government subsidies) of industrial food production. Levels of antioxidants in

milk from organic cattle are between 50% and 80% higher than normal milk.

Organic wheat, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, onions and lettuce have between 20%

and 40% more nutrients than non-organic foods.

> Organic food contains qualitatively higher levels of essential minerals (such

as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium), that are severely depleted in

chemical foods grown on pesticide and nitrate fertilizer-abused soil. UK and US

government statistics indicate that levels of trace minerals in (non-organic)

fruit and vegetables fell by up to 76% between 1940 and 1991.

>

> Organic Food is Pure Food, Free of Chemical Additives

> Organic food doesn't contain food additives, flavor enhancers (like MSG),

artificial sweeteners (like aspartame and high-fructose corn syrup),

contaminants (like mercury) or preservatives (like sodium nitrate), that can

cause health problems.

> Eating organic has the potential to lower the incidence of autism, learning

disorders, diabetes, cancer, coronary heart disease, allergies, osteoporosis,

migraines, dementia, and hyperactivity.

>

> Organic Food Is Safer

> Organic food doesn't contain pesticides. More than 400 chemical pesticides are

routinely used in conventional farming and residues remain on non-organic food

even after washing. Children are especially vulnerable to pesticide exposure.

One class of pesticides, endocrine disruptors, are likely responsible for early

puberty and breast cancer. Pesticides are linked to asthma and cancer.

> Organic food isn't genetically modified. Under organic standards, genetically

modified (GM) crops and ingredients are prohibited.

> Organic animals aren't given drugs. Organic farming standards prohibit the use

of antibiotics, growth hormones and genetically modified vaccines in farm

animals. Hormone-laced beef and dairy consumption is correlated with increased

rates of breast, testis and prostate cancers.

> Organic animals aren't fed animal remains or slaughterhouse waste, blood, or

manure. Eating organic reduces the risks of CJD, the human version of mad cow

disease, as well as Alzheimer's.

> Organic animals aren't fed arsenic.

> Organic animals aren't fed byproducts of corn ethanol production (which

increases the rate of E. coli contamination).

> Organic crops aren't fertilized with toxic sewage sludge or coal waste, or

irrigated with E. coli contaminated sewage water.

> Organic food isn't irradiated. Cats fed a diet of irradiated food got multiple

sclerosis within 3-4 months.

> Organic food contains less illness-inducing bacteria. Organic chicken is free

of salmonella and has a reduced incidence of campylobacter.

> LEARN MORE

>

> How to Identify Real Organic Food

>

> Look for the USDA Organic Seal or the Words " Made With Organic Ingredients "

> When you see the " USDA Organic " seal, you know that the food is at least 95%

organic, does not contain genetically modified organisms, was not irradiated,

and comes from a farm that:

> * Employs positive soil building, conservation, manure management and crop

rotation practices.

> * Provides outdoor access and pasture for livestock.

> * Refrains from antibiotic and hormone use in animals.

> * Sustains animals on 100% organic feed.

> * Keeps records of all operations.

> * Is inspected annually by an accredited Third-Party Organic Certifier.

> If it is a multi-ingredient product, it was made at a certified organic

processing plant that takes strict measures to avoid contamination of organic

products.

> Products that are " Made With Organic Ingredients " are at least 70% organic and

are also free from genetically modified organisms and food irradiation.

>

> Organic Food On a Budget

> When comparing prices in the grocery aisles, the organic version of particular

items is often 20% on the average more expensive, but if you make a pledge to

eat more organic, you'll likely save money overall by eating out at restaurants

less often, packing your lunch, and cooking from scratch.

>

> LEARN MORE

>

> Let Us Know You're Going Organic in the New Year!

>

> Organic Consumers Association's Facebook Fan Page

> Organic Consumers Association's Facebook Group

> Organic Consumers on Twitter

>

> PLEASE DONATE!

> OCA Needs Your Help to Spread the Organic Revolution

> OCA and our national, now international, network of organic consumers and

farmers understand that we have a positive life-affirming solution for the

global food, health, and climate crisis: organic food, farming, and ranching.

But to get out our all-important message we need your support and your

donations. So please send us a tax-deductible donation today.

> The OCA's yearly fundraiding drive kicked off at the beginning of December, so

please help us reach our goal of raising $75,000 by January 1st, 2010!

> PLEASE DONATE

>

> LOCAL CA NEWS OF THE WEEK

> CA - Get Involved Locally

>

> Learn more about OCA related action alerts and other news in CA here.

> Join CA discussion groups in our forum.

> Post events in CA on our community calendar.

>

>

> Message from our Sponsors

> Living Tree Community Foods

> Dear brothers and sisters,

> We invite you to watch Master Live Food Chef Diana Hirsch using Living Tree

Tahini to make Alive Hummus. We make our Tahini in Berkeley, a wellspring of the

human spirit.

> For details about our nut butters, olives and olive oil, we invite you to

explore our website.

> We invite you to visit us online at www.livingtreecommunity.com or call toll

free at 1 800-260-5534

>

>

>

>

> Please forward this publication to family and friends, place it on web sites,

> print it, duplicate it and post it freely. Knowledge is power!

> Organic Bytes is a publication of Organic Consumers Association

> 6771 South Silver Hill Drive - Finland, MN 55603 - Phone: 218-226-4164 - Fax:

218-353-7652

> You are d as:

> Cynthia Krall

> Rocklin, CA

> cyndikrall

> Read past issues and print- friendly PDF versions of Organic Bytes |

> Subscribe | Un | Donate

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

=

>

[Guest guest]

I think thats a wonderful resolution Bina! Best of luck!

 

Cyndi

 

 

 

 

binaatthelake <schultzjanet

 

Thu, Dec 31, 2009 9:34 am

[RFSL] Re: Fwd: Organic Bytes: 2010 - The Year of Eating Organically

 

 

 

Our families new years resolution is not to just eat organically but that will happen as a side effect of our resolution to eat Local. I will buy meat, fruit and vegies local and for the most part our local farmers are growing organic or naturally raised. Our organic produce can be coming from as much as 5000 miles away and that is just tooooo big a carbon footprint for us.

Cheers

Bina

 

, cyndikrall wrote:

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> December 30, 2009

> Organic Bytes #206: 2010 - The Year of Eating Organically

> Health, Justice and Sustainability News

> from the Organic Consumers Association

> Edited by: Alexis Baden-Mayer and Ronnie Cummins

>

> Organic Bytes on the Radio

> Organic Consumers on The Huffington Post

> Organic Consumers on Common Dreams

>

> 2010 New Year's Resolution: Boycott Chemical & GMO Foods, Eat Organically

>

> In This Issue:

>

> Why We Should All Eat More Organic Food

> How to Identify Real Organic Food

>

>

> Subscribe | Un | Read Past Issues | OCA Homepage | Donate

>

>

> Why We Should All Eat More Organic Food

> Organic Food is More Nutritious

> Organic foods, especially raw or non-processed, contain higher levels of beta carotene, vitamins C, D and E, health-promoting polyphenols, cancer-fighting antioxidants, flavonoids that help ward off heart disease, essential fatty acids, and essential minerals.

> On the average, organic food is 25% more nutritious in terms of vitamins and minerals than products derived from industrial agriculture. Since on the average, organic food's shelf price is only 20% higher than chemical food, this makes it actually cheaper, gram for gram, than chemical food, even ignoring the astronomical hidden costs (damage to health, climate, environment, and government subsidies) of industrial food production. Levels of antioxidants in milk from organic cattle are between 50% and 80% higher than normal milk. Organic wheat, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, onions and lettuce have between 20% and 40% more nutrients than non-organic foods.

> Organic food contains qualitatively higher levels of essential minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium), that are severely depleted in chemical foods grown on pesticide and nitrate fertilizer-abused soil. UK and US government statistics indicate that levels of trace minerals in (non-organic) fruit and vegetables fell by up to 76% between 1940 and 1991.

>

> Organic Food is Pure Food, Free of Chemical Additives

> Organic food doesn't contain food additives, flavor enhancers (like MSG), artificial sweeteners (like aspartame and high-fructose corn syrup), contaminants (like mercury) or preservatives (like sodium nitrate), that can cause health problems.

> Eating organic has the potential to lower the incidence of autism, learning disorders, diabetes, cancer, coronary heart disease, allergies, osteoporosis, migraines, dementia, and hyperactivity.

>

> Organic Food Is Safer

> Organic food doesn't contain pesticides. More than 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues remain on non-organic food even after washing. Children are especially vulnerable to pesticide exposure. One class of pesticides, endocrine disruptors, are likely responsible for early puberty and breast cancer. Pesticides are linked to asthma and cancer.

> Organic food isn't genetically modified. Under organic standards, genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are prohibited.

> Organic animals aren't given drugs. Organic farming standards prohibit the use of antibiotics, growth hormones and genetically modified vaccines in farm animals. Hormone-laced beef and dairy consumption is correlated with increased rates of breast, testis and prostate cancers.

> Organic animals aren't fed animal remains or slaughterhouse waste, blood, or manure. Eating organic reduces the risks of CJD, the human version of mad cow disease, as well as Alzheimer's.

> Organic animals aren't fed arsenic.

> Organic animals aren't fed byproducts of corn ethanol production (which increases the rate of E. coli contamination).

> Organic crops aren't fertilized with toxic sewage sludge or coal waste, or irrigated with E. coli contaminated sewage water.

> Organic food isn't irradiated. Cats fed a diet of irradiated food got multiple sclerosis within 3-4 months.

> Organic food contains less illness-inducing bacteria. Organic chicken is free of salmonella and has a reduced incidence of campylobacter.

> LEARN MORE

>

> How to Identify Real Organic Food

>

> Look for the USDA Organic Seal or the Words "Made With Organic Ingredients"

> When you see the "USDA Organic" seal, you know that the food is at least 95% organic, does not contain genetically modified organisms, was not irradiated, and comes from a farm that:

> * Employs positive soil building, conservation, manure management and crop rotation practices.

> * Provides outdoor access and pasture for livestock.

> * Refrains from antibiotic and hormone use in animals.

> * Sustains animals on 100% organic feed.

> * Keeps records of all operations.

> * Is inspected annually by an accredited Third-Party Organic Certifier.

> If it is a multi-ingredient product, it was made at a certified organic processing plant that takes strict measures to avoid contamination of organic products.

> Products that are "Made With Organic Ingredients" are at least 70% organic and are also free from genetically modified organisms and food irradiation.

>

> Organic Food On a Budget

> When comparing prices in the grocery aisles, the organic version of particular items is often 20% on the average more expensive, but if you make a pledge to eat more organic, you'll likely save money overall by eating out at restaurants less often, packing your lunch, and cooking from scratch.

>

> LEARN MORE

>

> Let Us Know You're Going Organic in the New Year!

>

> Organic Consumers Association's Facebook Fan Page

> Organic Consumers Association's Facebook Group

> Organic Consumers on Twitter

>

> PLEASE DONATE!

> OCA Needs Your Help to Spread the Organic Revolution

> OCA and our national, now international, network of organic consumers and farmers understand that we have a positive life-affirming solution for the global food, health, and climate crisis: organic food, farming, and ranching. But to get out our all-important message we need your support and your donations. So please send us a tax-deductible donation today.

> The OCA's yearly fundraiding drive kicked off at the beginning of December, so please help us reach our goal of raising $75,000 by January 1st, 2010!

> PLEASE DONATE

>

> LOCAL CA NEWS OF THE WEEK

> CA - Get Involved Locally

>

> Learn more about OCA related action alerts and other news in CA here.

> Join CA discussion groups in our forum.

> Post events in CA on our community calendar.

>

>

> Message from our Sponsors

> Living Tree Community Foods

> Dear brothers and sisters,

> We invite you to watch Master Live Food Chef Diana Hirsch using Living Tree Tahini to make Alive Hummus. We make our Tahini in Berkeley, a wellspring of the human spirit.

> For details about our nut butters, olives and olive oil, we invite you to explore our website.

> We invite you to visit us online at www.livingtreecommunity.com or call toll free at 1 800-260-5534

>

>

>

>

> Please forward this publication to family and friends, place it on web sites,

> print it, duplicate it and post it freely. Knowledge is power!

> Organic Bytes is a publication of Organic Consumers Association

> 6771 South Silver Hill Drive - Finland, MN 55603 - Phone: 218-226-4164 - Fax: 218-353-7652

> You are d as:

> Cynthia Krall

> Rocklin, CA

> cyndikrall

> Read past issues and print- friendly PDF versions of Organic Bytes |

> Subscribe | Un | Donate

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

> =

>

[Guest guest]

I have been doing this for the last year-ish.

We live in Michigan and by the time November comes around

you cannot find any local produce (other than apples)

My body actually thrives on fresh vegetables. I have gone without primarily to

this point and have finally caved to purchase organic lettuces and other

veggies. It makes a tremendous difference in my health.

Suggestions? My husband and I are planning on having a winter harvest

greenhouse next year (and hopefully supply ourselves with fresh lettuces,

broccoli, cauliflower and a few others)

 

I do canning: this year, tomato, peaches, applesauce, pears, venison, lots of

broth, green beans and jams. We freeze strawberries, blueberries, corn (didn't

do enough this year and its hard to find NON Gmo) green beans, asparagus, peas.

Make my own bread usually.

 

We grow our own beef (or have purchased from friends), pork, chickens (unless

they get eaten by coyotes) and eggs, ducks (have not butchered any yet) and

goats (which should provide milk this year, if I get in the right routine)

 

I am part of a milk share (to get raw milk)

 

In Summary: I am still purchasing some produce, occasional chicken, grains (have

not found local yet) and snack items from the local store.

 

Thoughts?

Blessings

Mellissa in MI

 

, cyndikrall wrote:

>

>

> I think thats a wonderful resolution Bina! Best of luck!

>

> Cyndi

>

>

>

>

> binaatthelake <schultzjanet

>

> Thu, Dec 31, 2009 9:34 am

> [RFSL] Re: Fwd: Organic Bytes: 2010 - The Year of Eating Organically

>

>

>

>

> Our families new years resolution is not to just eat organically but that will

happen as a side effect of our resolution to eat Local. I will buy meat, fruit

and vegies local and for the most part our local farmers are growing organic or

naturally raised. Our organic produce can be coming from as much as 5000 miles

away and that is just tooooo big a carbon footprint for us.

> Cheers

> Bina

>

> , cyndikrall@ wrote:

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > December 30, 2009

> > Organic Bytes #206: 2010 - The Year of Eating Organically

> > Health, Justice and Sustainability News

> > from the Organic Consumers Association

> > Edited by: Alexis Baden-Mayer and Ronnie Cummins

> >

> > Organic Bytes on the Radio

> > Organic Consumers on The Huffington Post

> > Organic Consumers on Common Dreams

> >

> > 2010 New Year's Resolution: Boycott Chemical & GMO Foods, Eat Organically

> >

> > In This Issue:

> >

> > Why We Should All Eat More Organic Food

> > How to Identify Real Organic Food

> >

> >

> > Subscribe | Un | Read Past Issues | OCA Homepage | Donate

> >

> >

> > Why We Should All Eat More Organic Food

> > Organic Food is More Nutritious

> > Organic foods, especially raw or non-processed, contain higher levels of

beta carotene, vitamins C, D and E, health-promoting polyphenols,

cancer-fighting antioxidants, flavonoids that help ward off heart disease,

essential fatty acids, and essential minerals.

> > On the average, organic food is 25% more nutritious in terms of vitamins and

minerals than products derived from industrial agriculture. Since on the

average, organic food's shelf price is only 20% higher than chemical food, this

makes it actually cheaper, gram for gram, than chemical food, even ignoring the

astronomical hidden costs (damage to health, climate, environment, and

government subsidies) of industrial food production. Levels of antioxidants in

milk from organic cattle are between 50% and 80% higher than normal milk.

Organic wheat, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, onions and lettuce have between 20%

and 40% more nutrients than non-organic foods.

> > Organic food contains qualitatively higher levels of essential minerals

(such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium), that are severely depleted in

chemical foods grown on pesticide and nitrate fertilizer-abused soil. UK and US

government statistics indicate that levels of trace minerals in (non-organic)

fruit and vegetables fell by up to 76% between 1940 and 1991.

> >

> > Organic Food is Pure Food, Free of Chemical Additives

> > Organic food doesn't contain food additives, flavor enhancers (like MSG),

artificial sweeteners (like aspartame and high-fructose corn syrup),

contaminants (like mercury) or preservatives (like sodium nitrate), that can

cause health problems.

> > Eating organic has the potential to lower the incidence of autism, learning

disorders, diabetes, cancer, coronary heart disease, allergies, osteoporosis,

migraines, dementia, and hyperactivity.

> >

> > Organic Food Is Safer

> > Organic food doesn't contain pesticides. More than 400 chemical pesticides

are routinely used in conventional farming and residues remain on non-organic

food even after washing. Children are especially vulnerable to pesticide

exposure. One class of pesticides, endocrine disruptors, are likely responsible

for early puberty and breast cancer. Pesticides are linked to asthma and cancer.

> > Organic food isn't genetically modified. Under organic standards,

genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are prohibited.

> > Organic animals aren't given drugs. Organic farming standards prohibit the

use of antibiotics, growth hormones and genetically modified vaccines in farm

animals. Hormone-laced beef and dairy consumption is correlated with increased

rates of breast, testis and prostate cancers.

> > Organic animals aren't fed animal remains or slaughterhouse waste, blood, or

manure. Eating organic reduces the risks of CJD, the human version of mad cow

disease, as well as Alzheimer's.

> > Organic animals aren't fed arsenic.

> > Organic animals aren't fed byproducts of corn ethanol production (which

increases the rate of E. coli contamination).

> > Organic crops aren't fertilized with toxic sewage sludge or coal waste, or

irrigated with E. coli contaminated sewage water.

> > Organic food isn't irradiated. Cats fed a diet of irradiated food got

multiple sclerosis within 3-4 months.

> > Organic food contains less illness-inducing bacteria. Organic chicken is

free of salmonella and has a reduced incidence of campylobacter.

> > LEARN MORE

> >

> > How to Identify Real Organic Food

> >

> > Look for the USDA Organic Seal or the Words " Made With Organic Ingredients "

> > When you see the " USDA Organic " seal, you know that the food is at least 95%

organic, does not contain genetically modified organisms, was not irradiated,

and comes from a farm that:

> > * Employs positive soil building, conservation, manure management and crop

rotation practices.

> > * Provides outdoor access and pasture for livestock.

> > * Refrains from antibiotic and hormone use in animals.

> > * Sustains animals on 100% organic feed.

> > * Keeps records of all operations.

> > * Is inspected annually by an accredited Third-Party Organic Certifier.

> > If it is a multi-ingredient product, it was made at a certified organic

processing plant that takes strict measures to avoid contamination of organic

products.

> > Products that are " Made With Organic Ingredients " are at least 70% organic

and are also free from genetically modified organisms and food irradiation.

> >

> > Organic Food On a Budget

> > When comparing prices in the grocery aisles, the organic version of

particular items is often 20% on the average more expensive, but if you make a

pledge to eat more organic, you'll likely save money overall by eating out at

restaurants less often, packing your lunch, and cooking from scratch.

> >

> > LEARN MORE

> >

> > Let Us Know You're Going Organic in the New Year!

> >

> > Organic Consumers Association's Facebook Fan Page

> > Organic Consumers Association's Facebook Group

> > Organic Consumers on Twitter

> >

> > PLEASE DONATE!

> > OCA Needs Your Help to Spread the Organic Revolution

> > OCA and our national, now international, network of organic consumers and

farmers understand that we have a positive life-affirming solution for the

global food, health, and climate crisis: organic food, farming, and ranching.

But to get out our all-important message we need your support and your

donations. So please send us a tax-deductible donation today.

> > The OCA's yearly fundraiding drive kicked off at the beginning of December,

so please help us reach our goal of raising $75,000 by January 1st, 2010!

> > PLEASE DONATE

> >

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[Guest guest]

Hi Mellissa!

 

It already sounds like you are doing a fabulous job, lol. I am not sure what your question is-are you asking how to get more fresh veggies in winter? Or just this winter? Are you looking to stop purchasing any food items from the local stores?

 

Have you checked localharvest.org to see if you can find any local winter growers in your area? Also, I don't know how much snow you may have right now, but if it's fairly clear now, you might want to think about constructing a high tunnel. If you can do that, you can start seedlings in the house and transplant them to the ground or raised beds or pots inside the high tunnel. I am reading a great book right now called the Winter Harvest Handbook:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Winter-Harvest-Handbook-Production-Greenhouses/dp/1603580816

 

It might give you some ideas on how to grow for yourself year round.

 

I noticed you didn't mention dehydrating. I think you would find it a great addition to all the other wonderful things you are already doing. If you go to youtube.com and find videos by Dehydrate2store, you can watch her wonderfully detailed and informative vids, which are very motivating! I had no idea what all could be done with a dehydrator. Now I have one and could never be without it. Right now I am dehydrating the winter greens I am growing. Then I throw them into soups and stews as I need them, and they come out beautifully.

 

I dehydrate a lot of apple and banana slices for my kids, who love them as snacks. I dehydrate raspberries, apple peelings and strawberries and grind them up to powder to use in my homemade yogurt-which I also make in the dehydrator. Well, I could talk about dehydrating all day lol.

 

Please let me know if I misunderstood your question, and good luck! I am envious of all you are doing now!

 

Cyndi

 

 

 

 

jmarhk <hispsalm127

 

Sat, Jan 2, 2010 7:34 am

[RFSL] Re: Fwd: Organic Bytes: 2010 - The Year of Eating Organically

 

 

 

I have been doing this for the last year-ish.

We live in Michigan and by the time November comes around

you cannot find any local produce (other than apples)

My body actually thrives on fresh vegetables. I have gone without primarily to this point and have finally caved to purchase organic lettuces and other veggies. It makes a tremendous difference in my health.

Suggestions? My husband and I are planning on having a winter harvest greenhouse next year (and hopefully supply ourselves with fresh lettuces, broccoli, cauliflower and a few others)

 

I do canning: this year, tomato, peaches, applesauce, pears, venison, lots of broth, green beans and jams. We freeze strawberries, blueberries, corn (didn't do enough this year and its hard to find NON Gmo) green beans, asparagus, peas. Make my own bread usually.

 

We grow our own beef (or have purchased from friends), pork, chickens (unless they get eaten by coyotes) and eggs, ducks (have not butchered any yet) and goats (which should provide milk this year, if I get in the right routine)

 

I am part of a milk share (to get raw milk)

 

In Summary: I am still purchasing some produce, occasional chicken, grains (have not found local yet) and snack items from the local store.

 

Thoughts?

Blessings

Mellissa in MI

 

, cyndikrall wrote:

>

>

> I think thats a wonderful resolution Bina! Best of luck!

>

> Cyndi

>

>

>

>

> binaatthelake <schultzjanet

>

> Thu, Dec 31, 2009 9:34 am

> [RFSL] Re: Fwd: Organic Bytes: 2010 - The Year of Eating Organically

>

>

>

>

> Our families new years resolution is not to just eat organically but that will happen as a side effect of our resolution to eat Local. I will buy meat, fruit and vegies local and for the most part our local farmers are growing organic or naturally raised. Our organic produce can be coming from as much as 5000 miles away and that is just tooooo big a carbon footprint for us.

> Cheers

> Bina

>

> , cyndikrall@ wrote:

> >

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> > December 30, 2009

> > Organic Bytes #206: 2010 - The Year of Eating Organically

> > Health, Justice and Sustainability News

> > from the Organic Consumers Association

> > Edited by: Alexis Baden-Mayer and Ronnie Cummins

> >

> > Organic Bytes on the Radio

> > Organic Consumers on The Huffington Post

> > Organic Consumers on Common Dreams

> >

> > 2010 New Year's Resolution: Boycott Chemical & GMO Foods, Eat Organically

> >

> > In This Issue:

> >

> > Why We Should All Eat More Organic Food

> > How to Identify Real Organic Food

> >

> >

> > Subscribe | Un | Read Past Issues | OCA Homepage | Donate

> >

> >

> > Why We Should All Eat More Organic Food

> > Organic Food is More Nutritious

> > Organic foods, especially raw or non-processed, contain higher levels of beta carotene, vitamins C, D and E, health-promoting polyphenols, cancer-fighting antioxidants, flavonoids that help ward off heart disease, essential fatty acids, and essential minerals.

> > On the average, organic food is 25% more nutritious in terms of vitamins and minerals than products derived from industrial agriculture. Since on the average, organic food's shelf price is only 20% higher than chemical food, this makes it actually cheaper, gram for gram, than chemical food, even ignoring the astronomical hidden costs (damage to health, climate, environment, and government subsidies) of industrial food production. Levels of antioxidants in milk from organic cattle are between 50% and 80% higher than normal milk. Organic wheat, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, onions and lettuce have between 20% and 40% more nutrients than non-organic foods.

> > Organic food contains qualitatively higher levels of essential minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium), that are severely depleted in chemical foods grown on pesticide and nitrate fertilizer-abused soil. UK and US government statistics indicate that levels of trace minerals in (non-organic) fruit and vegetables fell by up to 76% between 1940 and 1991.

> >

> > Organic Food is Pure Food, Free of Chemical Additives

> > Organic food doesn't contain food additives, flavor enhancers (like MSG), artificial sweeteners (like aspartame and high-fructose corn syrup), contaminants (like mercury) or preservatives (like sodium nitrate), that can cause health problems.

> > Eating organic has the potential to lower the incidence of autism, learning disorders, diabetes, cancer, coronary heart disease, allergies, osteoporosis, migraines, dementia, and hyperactivity.

> >

> > Organic Food Is Safer

> > Organic food doesn't contain pesticides. More than 400 chemical pesticides are routinely used in conventional farming and residues remain on non-organic food even after washing. Children are especially vulnerable to pesticide exposure. One class of pesticides, endocrine disruptors, are likely responsible for early puberty and breast cancer. Pesticides are linked to asthma and cancer.

> > Organic food isn't genetically modified. Under organic standards, genetically modified (GM) crops and ingredients are prohibited.

> > Organic animals aren't given drugs. Organic farming standards prohibit the use of antibiotics, growth hormones and genetically modified vaccines in farm animals. Hormone-laced beef and dairy consumption is correlated with increased rates of breast, testis and prostate cancers.

> > Organic animals aren't fed animal remains or slaughterhouse waste, blood, or manure. Eating organic reduces the risks of CJD, the human version of mad cow disease, as well as Alzheimer's.

> > Organic animals aren't fed arsenic.

> > Organic animals aren't fed byproducts of corn ethanol production (which increases the rate of E. coli contamination).

> > Organic crops aren't fertilized with toxic sewage sludge or coal waste, or irrigated with E. coli contaminated sewage water.

> > Organic food isn't irradiated. Cats fed a diet of irradiated food got multiple sclerosis within 3-4 months.

> > Organic food contains less illness-inducing bacteria. Organic chicken is free of salmonella and has a reduced incidence of campylobacter.

> > LEARN MORE

> >

> > How to Identify Real Organic Food

> >

> > Look for the USDA Organic Seal or the Words "Made With Organic Ingredients"

> > When you see the "USDA Organic" seal, you know that the food is at least 95% organic, does not contain genetically modified organisms, was not irradiated, and comes from a farm that:

> > * Employs positive soil building, conservation, manure management and crop rotation practices.

> > * Provides outdoor access and pasture for livestock.

> > * Refrains from antibiotic and hormone use in animals.

> > * Sustains animals on 100% organic feed.

> > * Keeps records of all operations.

> > * Is inspected annually by an accredited Third-Party Organic Certifier.

> > If it is a multi-ingredient product, it was made at a certified organic processing plant that takes strict measures to avoid contamination of organic products.

> > Products that are "Made With Organic Ingredients" are at least 70% organic and are also free from genetically modified organisms and food irradiation.

> >

> > Organic Food On a Budget

> > When comparing prices in the grocery aisles, the organic version of particular items is often 20% on the average more expensive, but if you make a pledge to eat more organic, you'll likely save money overall by eating out at restaurants less often, packing your lunch, and cooking from scratch.

> >

> > LEARN MORE

> >

> > Let Us Know You're Going Organic in the New Year!

> >

> > Organic Consumers Association's Facebook Fan Page

> > Organic Consumers Association's Facebook Group

> > Organic Consumers on Twitter

> >

> > PLEASE DONATE!

> > OCA Needs Your Help to Spread the Organic Revolution

> > OCA and our national, now international, network of organic consumers and farmers understand that we have a positive life-affirming solution for the global food, health, and climate crisis: organic food, farming, and ranching. But to get out our all-important message we need your support and your donations. So please send us a tax-deductible donation today.

> > The OCA's yearly fundraiding drive kicked off at the beginning of December, so please help us reach our goal of raising $75,000 by January 1st, 2010!

> > PLEASE DONATE

> >

> > LOCAL CA NEWS OF THE WEEK

> > CA - Get Involved Locally

> >

> > Learn more about OCA related action alerts and other news in CA here.

> > Join CA discussion groups in our forum.

> > Post events in CA on our community calendar.

> >

> >

> > Message from our Sponsors

> > Living Tree Community Foods

> > Dear brothers and sisters,

> > We invite you to watch Master Live Food Chef Diana Hirsch using Living Tree Tahini to make Alive Hummus. We make our Tahini in Berkeley, a wellspring of the human spirit.

> > For details about our nut butters, olives and olive oil, we invite you to explore our website.

> > We invite you to visit us online at www.livingtreecommunity.com or call toll free at 1 800-260-5534

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > Please forward this publication to family and friends, place it on web sites,

> > print it, duplicate it and post it freely. Knowledge is power!

> > Organic Bytes is a publication of Organic Consumers Association

> > 6771 South Silver Hill Drive - Finland, MN 55603 - Phone: 218-226-4164 - Fax: 218-353-7652

> > You are d as:

> > Cynthia Krall

> > Rocklin, CA

> > cyndikrall@

> > Read past issues and print- friendly PDF versions of Organic Bytes |

> > Subscribe | Un | Donate

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> > =

> >

>