Cocoa Mojo Switches to Organic Palm Sugar

"Evergreen, Co (PRWEB) October 31, 2008 -- EnerHealthBotanicals is re-releasing its organic hot cocoa mix called Cocoa Mojo with the addition of organic palm sugar. Cocoa Mojo was the first organic hot cocoa mix to add Cordyceps and Ganoderma herbs for immune enhancement. By using evaporated palm sugar as the natural sweetener Cocoa Mojo has lowered the glycemic index by 40% and added more nutrition to a favorite winter beverage.

This immune boosting hot chocolate cocoa comes back just in time for the winter flu season. Cordyceps and Ganoderma have long been used in china for building the immune system so it was the perfect herbal compliment for a traditional hot cocoa beverage. Darren Craddock, international herbologist and EnerHealthBotanicals spokesperson states that "The goal of adding reishi and herbs to our gourmet cocoa, Cocoa Mojo was to make it easy to get the immune enhancing herbs -- especially for kids -- during the season you need it most."

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India is Top Organic Cotton Producer

"Chennai, Oct. 31 Call it compulsion or accident, the fact is India is now the world leader in production of organic cotton. The country’s organic cotton output increased 292 per cent during 2007-08 to 73,702 tonnes compared with the previous year. But this is what the Organic Exchange’s Organic Cotton Farm and Fibre Report 2008 had to say: “While this (production details) is partially the result of more accurate data, the increase is also a result of unavailability of fertilisers, prohibitive cost of synthetic pesticides and general disenchantment with genetically modified cotton production.”

However, it says India is undeniably the world leader in this field and showing signs of continued increase in production. And, in turn, it has pushed global organic production by 152 per cent to 1.46 lakh tonnes. This means India contributes exactly half of the world’s organic cotton output."

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Amy's Introduces New Cakes

"Everyone will love these cakes, especially warm and topped with ice cream. They’re also delicious with fruit or your favorite non-dairy topping. No one will believe they’re not homemade! Both are organic and vegan to boot.

Orange Cakes (SRP $3.89 - $4.49/11oz)
Typically, Amy would rather have a slice of cheese pizza than dessert, but she can’t resist Amy’s Orange Cake. When she was in high school, Amy would have a piece (made by Susan, Amy’s chef Fred’s sister) in her lunch every day. Amy’s Orange Cake is moist, light and delicious with the sweet taste of orange. Vegan.

Chocolate Cakes (SRP $3.99 - $4.49/11oz)
Amy’s dad, Andy, wears a t-shirt that says, “I would give up eating chocolate but I am no quitter.” Andy grew up eating chocolate cake from his father’s bakery. He describes this new chocolate cake as “rich … moist … light … chocolatey … irresistible.” Vegan.

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Learn more about Amy's desserts

I've been waiting for something like this from Amy's! I always enjoyed their apple pie, and I'm quite the dessert addict haha.

Ask Amy's Andy Berliner

"My company is entering a new and evolving market. How can you create demand for a product when most potential customers know nothing about it?

Mark Caron
CEO
Snac
New York City

When we started Amy's, in 1987, selling frozen vegetarian potpies, the mass market wasn't ready for our products. There really weren't any frozen natural foods in grocery stores. Most people thought health food tasted like Birkenstocks.

The most important thing in your early days is establishing relationships with customers who are already passionate about your product and will spread the word about your company. We talked constantly to buyers at trade shows and to the owners of small health food stores. We never spent much money on marketing."

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The Organic Center and Rodale Institute Launch Organic Solution Campaign

"NEW YORK, Oct 30, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- The Organic Center and Rodale Institute, two internationally renowned research and education organizations focused on the science of food and farming, announced today that they are partnering to launch the Organic Solution campaign. The new movement centers around increasing awareness among consumers, media, researchers, educators, policy makers and thought leaders about how organic food and farming can quickly and inexpensively resolve our current health, environmental and hunger issues by changing the way we grow, buy and eat our food.

A special evening reception and educational event, "Ripe for Revolution: The Organic Solution" will kick off the campaign on Tuesday, November 11, from 6:00 -- 9:30 pm at New York's Chelsea Art Museum. The event will present cutting-edge research on the benefits of organic food and farming in an entertaining and informative format and will feature gourmet organic food developed by celebrity chefs Michel Nischan and Christina Pirello alongside organic wines, cocktails and other beverages. The evening also will raise critical funds for future research and educational activities of The Organic Center and Rodale Institute."

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Naturalwoof.com Launches

"Last week marked the launch of the new website, Naturalwoof.com. It is an online store offering natural and eco friendly dog supplies. Their belief is that pets deserve the same high quality food, treats and accessories that humans do. They carry everything from eco friendly toys and beds to homeopathic and natural remedies, natural treats and chews. They hand pick all of their products from manufacturers who share their values. Naturalwoof's priorities are quality products, outstanding value, great customer service, and especially, healthy happy dogs."

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GustOrganics 100% Organic Baby Food

"PRLog (Press Release) – Oct 28, 2008 – NEW YORK, NY -- GustOrganics (www.GustOrganics.com), New York City’s first USDA certified organic restaurant, today announced its all organic gourmet baby food meals with delivery in Manhattan. The fresh meals are created daily with certified organic ingredients and delivered via carbon-free footprint at parents’ convenience to home or office.

The menu is created based on a weekly balanced diet that includes a full variety of only organic nutrients and vitamins. Depending upon the availability of USDA certified organic products, only one or two baby meal options are served daily. The baby menu also features baby desserts made with fresh organic ingredients."

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Organica Deluxe Launches Website

"Charlotte, NC (PRWEB) October 29, 2008 -- Organica Deluxe (www.organicadeluxe.com) has opened its virtual doors and is committed to setting the standard for eco-friendly luxury gifts. The online boutique features gorgeously green gifts and products exquisitely packaged in a responsible manner promoting a sustainable economy. Although in its infancy, this unique company has already attracted the attention of celebrities and the NY fashion industry, most notably as Purveyor of Flowers for the Organic and Fair-made Sustainable Fashion Exhibition at NYC Fashion Week in September '08.

Organica Deluxe gift boxes contain eco-friendly products including organic food and wine, Veriflora flowers, organic spa from France and organic baby items. The gift boxes range from $35-$410 and the site makes it easy for eco-savvy shoppers to find the perfect gift, categorizing by Occasion, Price, Recipient and Item.

Equal care and attention is placed on product packaging. Organica Deluxe utilizes the unusual practice of single box delivery for most of their gift packages, serving to reduce paper consumption by more than 50% and eliminating thousands of pounds of additional landfill waste every year."

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Planet Organic Announces Annual Revenue Totals

"EDMONTON, Oct. 29 /CNW/ - Planet Organic Health Corp (TSX Venture Exchange - POH), Canada's leading natural products retailer announces their financial results for the year ending June 30, 2008. Sales for the year were $113.9 million compared to $55.3 million in 2007, an increase of 106%. EBITDASX was $7.1 million compared to $3.6 million in 2007, an increase of 97%, and cash flow from operations increased by $2.5 million over 2007, an increase of 218%.

"I'm excited to report our financial results for the year ended June 30, 2008. We have successfully integrated the acquisition of Mrs Green's in the U.S., added one new POM market location and started construction on the Edmonton flagship expansion, as well as the third Ontario location. The rebranding of Healthy's to Planet Organic Living began with the Exchange Tower in Toronto and we opened a new POL store in Milton Ontario. We continue to benefit from the synergies of vertical integration at Trophic, and Sangster's continues to open new franchise locations. These actions have allowed the
Company to more than double revenues, more than triple cash flow from operations, and almost double EBITDASX", reports Darren Krissie, CFO."

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Sewage Destroys Florida Organic Farm

"Tampa, Florida - It's hard to believe that in one tragic moment a labor of love can be destroyed, but Rick Martinez says it can happen.

He knows firsthand.

The lifelong organic farmer was blunt. "Takes 14 years to make a reputation and five minutes to lose it," he said.

Rick was heartbroken the morning of September 12th as he awoke to an urgent knock on his door. An on-site worker from his six-acre Sweetwater Organic Community Farm in Town 'N Country had a desperate look on his face.

Rick couldn't believe what he heard next.

A Hillsborough County sewage line filled with 200,000 gallons of untreated raw sewage, straight from people's homes, was bubbling up near Rick's property. The stench was overwhelming.

He described the nauseating smell. "I guess, if you're toilet has backed up and the plumber hasn't been there in a couple of days, if you can imagine that smell, that would be it!"

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Future is Uncertain for Poland's Organic Farms

"Chwalowice, Poland - The decrepit farm in southern Poland was typical of many built before World War II, with high wooden roofs, cracked paint and straw on the barn floors. But three years ago, the 52-hectare farm was transformed into a showcase for farmers, who now come from across Poland for tours and lessons in organic production.

The barn is now re-pained and lined with an herb garden. Organic beetroots and potatoes are stored inside, ready for buyers in what is one of the most dynamic markets in Polish - and European - agriculture.

With 16.2 million hectares of farmland, Poland is a key producer of apples, rye and potatoes in the European Union. It has more farmers than any other EU state, and boasts 0.41 hectares of farmland per person compared to the 0.19 EU average."

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Quebec Organic Maple Syrup Website Launched

"(live-PR.com) - Candiac, QC, October 28, 2008 - A new website was launched on Thursday September 16th, for the health concious maple product connaiseur: www.becsucre.com

Our goal is to sell Quebec organic maple products through the web and position our offerings in the new ecologic mentality of the world. We currently stock a wide variety of conventional maple products. We are presently selling to travel tour operators to offer as welcome gifts to each of their clients but everyone is welcome to partake in our wares."

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Garden Organic Welcomes Soil Research

"The UK’s leading organic growing charity, Garden Organic, has welcomed the findings of a significant report from the Royal Agricultural Society of England (RASE), published last week, which highlighted the threats posed to the health of UK soil, and therefore our future food security.

The RASE report concluded that a fundamental lack of investment for research into sustainable agricultural techniques is a real danger to the future of our soil and fundamentally our food production systems.

Myles Bremner, Chief Executive of Garden Organic said, “Garden Organic has been researching and promoting organic growing methods for over 50 years now and could not agree more with the findings of this report."

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Dole Australia Working Hard to Meet Organic Banana Demand

"THE Far North is poised to tap into the growing demand for organic produce with Dole Australia gearing up to increase production of organic banana.

The international company, which is growing plots of organic banana in Walkamin on the Tableland and in the Daintree, said demand was outstripping production.

Production manager Marc Jackson told The Cairns Post organics was a healthy and sustainable industry to be in and the company planned to expand production.

In April/May, trials in organic pineapples will also get under way and already its bananas are selling in Woolworths stores and through organic wholesalers in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.

"At the moment, we are getting about $20-24 a box and it costs about $30 a box to produce organic bananas but we see it as a long-term project,'' he said.

"It's the future we have to look at and we are looking at setting up a niche market and if we can get to the point to where we are producing excellent quality bananas 52 weeks of the year, then people will pay for them.'"

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Designer Oka Masako Expands ECOMACO Line

"MEXICO CITY — Japanese designer Oka Masako was making eco-friendly fashion using soybeans, corn, bamboo and silk long before it was the newest thing on this fall's runways.

Masako is known for using ecologically friendly fabrics and creating light, transparent garments embroidered with flowers and leaves. She began tapping organic textiles 13 years ago.

"I show the theme of ecology on my clothes to represent the sense of peace and calm nature has given me," Masako said before her show at Mexico's Fashion Week last Friday. "It has more to do with a (personal) symbiosis."

Masako created the ECOMACO brand in 2003, and has built a reputation as a fashion designer whose creations are biodegradable. She has even created her own thread using fermented corn syrup.

Besides being environmentally friendly, her designs are also practical. Many can be machine washed."

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Natural and Organic Cures for Winter Eczema Troubles

"It's finally cold here in New York. Most heating systems aren't yet turned on so we've been traipsing around in sweaters and hats. Today, after a wind gust almost picked her up and blew her down the street, my daughter laughed and screamed, "I'm freezing!"

Season change is fun. It's also itchy. I have battled dry skin and eczema for years, especially on my hands. I used steroid creams to treat them before I knew better, and read enough to entice me to give them up just before I got pregnant. Phew. I even gave up peanuts while pregnant because some research (largely British) said it would reduce the likelihood a baby of a mom with eczema would (also) have allergies. I'd do anything not to pass this along to her. Well so far so good on food and seasonal allergies. But she currently has several patches of her very own eczema. Argh!

Since giving up the steroids, I have spent a lot of time testing and coming up with a list of products that work to quell the rash when it flares. The list isn't short, as they seem to work for a bit, then stop working. So I switch to something that also works, then stops. And I switch back, or move on. Eczema is strange stuff. Actually, even the steroid creams used to only work for a while. Then they'd thin my skin to the point where I'd start getting small cuts very easily, and it would somehow flare up all over again. Pretty much the only holistic/organic/natural/biodynamic/whatever you want to call it thing I haven't tried to cure the stuff is cutting food out of our diets. Apparently diary and acidic foods like tomatoes can trigger the condition. I love both too much to give them up. And friends with other itchy conditions who have managed to hold off on favorite foods only report minimal itch reduction, or often none at all."

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Four Generations on Ono Organic Farm

"Chuck Boerner and his wife, Lilly, owners of Ono Organic Farms, were living green long before it became the watchword of environmentalists worldwide.

Four generations of Boerner's family have farmed in this remote area of Maui, starting with his paternal grandfather, Heinrich, who owned and operated a 60-room hotel in upstate New York before moving to Hawaii.

When Heinrich turned 60 in 1940, he underwent a major lifestyle change, giving up cigarettes, meat and alcohol virtually overnight."

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Organic Diva Ann Garrity Says to Throw Out Unsafe Cosmetics

"Ann Garrity is careful to say that there are many reasons that she feels better these days. Her job is less stressful; her diet is healthier. But she has also changed every product that she smoothes, pats or brushes onto her skin after a doctor suggested that her health problems were linked to her cosmetics.

Persistent fibroids led her to an East Coast physician who urged her to throw out every lotion, soap and cosmetic she used "because I had too much estrogen in my system," Garrity said. The products themselves didn’t contain estrogen, but rather certain synthetic chemicals that can mimic estrogen in the body. Because her grandmother and mother both are breast cancer survivors and because studies indicate that exposure to environmental, or artificial, estrogen increases cancer risk, she cleared out her shelves."

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Organic Environmental Technology Inc. Introduces Certified Organic Toxic Mold Remedy

"Lake View Terrace, CA (PRWEB) October 24, 2008 -- Organic Environmental Technology (http://www.organicet.com) announced today the availability of a certified organic toxic mold remedy for mold removal and mold abatement exploiting the same technology that was used effectively on the toxic mold that spread like the plague in the wake of hurricane Katrina. Now professionals and homeowners alike can have a safe all natural alternative to chemical biocides or bleach for mold abatement.

"Certainly disasters are horrible things. Unfortunately it took a crisis like Katrina to get this technology on the radar. But it was still only known as another emergency response remedy," stated Paul Scholz, one of the owners of Organic Environmental Technology Inc.

Certainly disasters are horrible things. Unfortunately it took a crisis like Katrina to get this technology on the radar. But it was still only known as another emergency response remedy
What we are making available is chemical free mold cleaner using a proprietary blend of beneficial microorganisms that are the natural enemies of mold. When a room is liberated with healthy beneficial bacteria the mold has no food source and dies off. We are not however stating this is a silver bullet; professional mold remediation and mold abatement protocols still apply where called for.
We utilize the best EM technology starter cultures available in our manufacturing. EM or Efficient Microbes is a probiotic blend of 15 beneficial microbes that consume toxins and the things molds live on voraciously. The combination of healthy bacteria in EM actually forms a self protecting mechanism that is remarkable.
We have already begun to make

Scholz continued, "I sent my daughter down to Katrina with a group of volunteers to do something about the devastating conditions and to help the people. When she returned I learned about a new technology that was getting used as a chemical free mold cleaner on an emergency response basis to help deal with the toxic mold in and around New Orleans. We looked into it and were so impressed that we have used that same organic technology for toxic mold abatement in our mold remediation division of our company ever since. It made no sense to us to use chemical biocides that we felt could be as harmful to health as the mold they were addressing. We feel there are many other like minded professionals and homeowners and want to give them access to this green solution."

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New Zealand Green Party Want Half of Farm Production to Be Organic by 2020

"The Green Party today launched an agricultural policy which calls for 15 per cent of the nation's farms to be going organic by 2015, and for half of farm production to be organic by 2020.

Party co-leader Jeanette Fitzsimmons told the crowd at the Hastings Agricultural and Pastoral Show – where the National Party released its agricultural policy yesterday – that an essential part of the strategy was keeping New Zealand farming GE free.

"It's vital we retain and build on our international reputation as a clean, green country as this underpins our export industry," she said.

Making common-sense changes towards sustainable farming techniques was pivotal, and the policy focused on producing food and fibre in a way that not only increased profitability but reduced environmental impacts."


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Could Organic Farming Feed Africa?

"London. According to The Independent Daily traditional practices increase yield by 128 per cent in east Africa. Organic farming offers Africa the best chance of breaking the cycle of poverty and malnutrition it has been locked in for decades, according to a major study from the United Nations to be presented today.

New evidence suggests that organic practices – derided by some as a Western lifestyle fad – are delivering sharp increases in yields, improvements in the soil and a boost in the income of Africa's small farmers who remain among the poorest people on earth. The head of the UN's Environment Programme, Achim Steiner, said the report "indicates that the potential contribution of organic farming to feeding the world maybe far higher than many had supposed".

The "green revolution" in agriculture in the 1960s – when the production of food caught and surpassed the needs of the global population for the first time – largely bypassed Africa. Whereas each person today has 25 per cent more food on average than they did in 1960, in Africa they have 10 per cent less."

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Terranea Resort to Offer Organic Cuisine

"Rancho Palos Verdes, CA (OPENPRESS) October 23, 2008 -- The stunning oceanfront location of the new eco-friendly Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes is the backdrop and inspiration for a variety of organic restaurants, bars and cafés that comprise the fine dining options at California’s newest destination resort. Opening June 2009, Terranea, managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, will bring its eco-friendly orientation into all aspects of its dining options with an emphasis on local and organic foods.

Leading the culinary efforts is Blau & Associates, a highly successful restaurant consulting firm with a client list that includes top hospitality establishments across the globe. Founded in 2002, Blau & Associates is a strategic restaurant planning and development company that specializes in providing clients with the fresh, creative and sound business advice required to create exceptional food-and-beverage concepts.

Company founder Elizabeth Blau's impressive foodservice career spans more than 23 years. During that time, Blau has and continues to blaze a culinary trail that most restaurant professionals only dream about. Based in Las Vegas, Blau is particularly well-known for helping to establish her home city as one of the country's finest culinary destinations."

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Organic Alliance Hires New President

"Organic Alliance Inc. has hired Parker Booth as the president of the food distribution company. He will report to CEO Tom Morrison.

Booth has more than 30 years of sales and operation experience in the fresh foods and international transportation industries. Most recently, he was president of Ace Tomato and Delta PrePack, companies that farm, ship, repack and market fresh fruits and vegetables.

“We are pleased to have Parker as the president of our growing company,” Morrison says. “His past marketing and sales experience will assist us with our growth, and help us to market to more growers, food processors, consumer goods firms, grocery chains and restaurants worldwide.”

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New Virtual Organic Beauty Lounge

"What happens when a cosmetology school dropout named Spirit is unable to open the organic spa of her dreams?

Good things, apparently.

After years of touting the benefits of organic beauty to her circle of friends, Spirit Demerson decided to streamline the often-challenging process of locating high-quality, all-natural cosmetics and skin care products by selling them herself. But though the idea was solid, the funding was not. When the cost of opening an organic spa in New York City proved insurmountable, Demerson remained positive — which seems to be the only option when you’re named Spirit — seamlessly moving to plan B: spiritbeautylounge.com. A “virtual beauty lounge,” the site allows users to purchase safe beauty products while tapping into the growing natural beauty community through Demerson’s frequent blog posts and current updates on the latest concepts and trends."

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Organic Fast Food Becoming Latest Trend

"CHICAGO Reuters - Professional snowboarder Tim Gargiulo is about as all-American as you can get - he's entrepreneurial, prone to overworking, and passionate about fast food, especially popular favorites like burgers, fries and shakes.

But the fledgling restaurateur won't eat - or serve - anything that's not made from organic, plant-based ingredients such as grains, beans, vegetables and nuts. His burgers are formed from soy flour and wheat gluten; he blends "milkshakes" from hemp; even his fountain drinks are sweetened with agave syrup.

"It's a cleaner way to eat," says the 34-year-old founder of Boulder, Colorado-based VG Burgers, noting that most of his consumers don't even consider themselves to be vegetarians. "A lot of people just want to come in and eat something that doesn't make them feel like taking a nap afterwards."

Gargiulo's venture, which is slated to open its second store next year and begin selling franchises after that, represents the latest niche in the organic food market: fast food. U.S. sales of organic food and beverages are set to reach $23.6 billion in 2008, up from roughly $20 billion last year and just $1 billion in 1990, according to the Greenfield, Massachusetts-based Organic Trade Association, an industry group."

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Organic Products "Too Costly" for Women, Infants, and Children Food Assistance Program

"In proposed new food rules due to start in October 2009. the Washington state Department of Health Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) would delete organic milk and the “Earth's Best” brand of organic cereal from its list of approved foods for low income women and children.
Cost was cited by the agency as the reason for removing the products from the list. For example, the Earth's Best brand is more than 10 percent higher in cost than other infant cereals, and organic milk is nowadays usually more than twice the cost of conventional milk. The agency said that organic milk, when approved for WIC 8 years ago, was only slightly higher in cost than non-organic, but that “This is no longer true."

Organic advocates say the state is disregarding the health benefits of organic food. They say, for instance, that non-organic milk is more likely to contain antibiotic residues. Those wishing to avoid milk from cows treated with bovine growth hormones should know that all unflavored milk sold in Washington, not only organic-labelled, is produced from cows not treated with the hormone, the WIC program said."

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The Urgency of Going Green

"Indian physicist and environmental activist Vandana Shiva said the financial crisis showed it was high time for countries to rebuild local, diverse farms to become independent from global turmoil. “The lesson to be learned from the financial meltdown is that the world is at a tipping point,” Shiva told Reuters at the Frankfurt Bookfair on Thursday, where she is promoting her new book ‘Soil not Oil’.

“When one thread rips somewhere its effect is felt around the world,” said Shiva, a board member of the International Forum on Globalisation, which examines the effects of globalisation on local economies and communities.

Shiva was also one of the first tree-huggers in the 1970s, participating in the Chipko movement of female peasants in the Uttaranchal region of India, which adopted the tactic of hugging trees to prevent their felling. Shiva said industrial farmers were running short on funds to buy pesticides and fertilisers amid reduced lending and borrowing worldwide but switching to small-scale, organic farming would eliminate the need to buy chemicals. Shiva, who received her Ph D. in physics at the University of Western Ontario, argued that diverse, organic farming was the answer to climate change and world hunger."

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Irish Farms Warned Over Fertilizer Use

"The food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has called for tighter controls on the use of organic fertilisers on Irish farms, warning of possible contamination of ready-to-eat food. In a report released yesterday, the FSAI said that while the use of organic, municipal and industrial materials (OMI) was very small in relation to farm-generated fertiliser (OA), trends indicated a significant increase in the use of treated OMI materials in agriculture in Ireland.

The report said ready-to-eat produce (food not cooked before consumption) posed a particular food safety risk when land on which they were grown was spread with OA or OMI materials. The Pesticide Action Network (PAN Europe) has claimed that food products sold in the European Union now contained more than 350 different pesticides, the highest total level ever recorded.

According to an advance copy of the annual EU-wide pesticide residue-monitoring report, seen by PAN Europe, 49 per cent of fruits, vegetables and cereals contain pesticides, representing an increase of about 20 per cent over the past five years.
In addition, 4.7 per cent of fruits, vegetables and cereals contain pesticides at concentrations above the maximum legal limits."

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West Australia Organic Industry Thriving

"West Australian Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman has praised the extraordinary recent growth of the organic industry in Western Australia.

“Farm gate sales of certified organic produce have increased by more than 80 per cent in the past three years in Australia and the WA organic industry is experiencing a similar rise in demand from consumers,” Mr Redman told members of the Organic Growers Association of Western Australia (OGAWA) at a function in Perth last night to celebrate National Organic Week.

The retail value of organic sales in WA is now estimated to be between $40million and $50million a year, growing by up to 30 per cent per annum.

“WA has about 200 certified organic operators across all agricultural sectors, ranging from small mixed farm businesses to large scale investment driven businesses,” the Minister added. “The State produces a wide range of organic products including many fruits and vegetables, meats, grains, dairy products, award winning organic wines and olive products and an increasing range of grocery products like tofu, juice and children’s fruit purees.”

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Middle Eastern Organics Growing in Popularity

"Dubai, October 16 2008: In the backdrop of a rising appetite for natural and organic food products growing at a pace of 20-25 per cent annually, the sixth edition of the Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo (MENOPE 2008) has evoked enthusiastic response from across the world with over 175 companies from over 35 countries booked to take part in the show.

MENOPE 2008, organised by the Dubai-based Global Links, will run at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) from November 16-18 2008. The show is supported by the UAE Ministry of Health and Ministry of Environment and Water.

Commenting on the show and its response, Eng. Nadim Al Fuqaha, Managing Director, Global Links said: "The expo has been able to generate considerable interest with the regional market for organic and natural products expanding at a rapid pace. In the last few years, the governments in the region, particularly the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman, have taken various proactive steps to support the market, including encouraging organic farming."

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U.S. Organic Sales May Have Hit a Plateau

"Manufacturers and retailers of organic food in the US must improve their understanding of consumer demand for organic products as sales in some categories start to plateau, a study has claimed.

In its Organic 2008: The Many Faces of Organic report, market research firm The Hartman Group said companies needed to work on their knowledge of the most "relevant" organic foods for consumers despite the growth of organics out-stripping the conventional food sector.

According to figures from the Organic Trade Association, cited by The Hartman Group, US organic food sales have grown by 17-21% a year since 1997. Total US food sales have risen by 2-4% over the same period."

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Organic Farms in Australia Open Doors for Organic Week

"Australian organic operators have opened up their fields, farms and fresh produce for those ready to experience organic this National Organic Week (Saturday the 11th - Sunday the 19th October).

A smorgasbord of organic is available over the remaining five days of the event.

Farm Tour Rosnay Wines, Canowindra, NSW, Saturday 18th Oct 10am - 4pm

As the first certified organic wine producers in the Cowra region, Rosnay Wines are well equipped to connect food and wine connoisseurs with organic.

In conjunction with National Organic Week (NOW), Rosnay will host an organic Farm Tour Feast for additive-free appetites at their property in the Belubula Valley, four hours from Sydney and an hour from Orange.

Participants are invited to a farm BBQ featuring home-grown organic lamb chops, local organic veggies from neighbouring Rivers Road properties, organic sour dough bread, Rosnay organic olive oil and olives; and the latest in the range of Rosnay’s award-winning organic wines."

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New AppleBoost Energy Snacks

"CHURUBUSCO, N.Y., Oct 15, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- A new apple-based snack food, originally developed to fuel competitive athletes, blends its new-age nutritional ingredient so stealthily into organic applesauce that AppleBoost energy snack tubes can rival Halloween treats for taste, company officials say.

AppleBoost energy snacks were well received this summer by U.S. Olympians, and have already been picked up by dozens of major college football teams. But with an eye on rising obesity across all age groups, and Americans eating only about half their daily recommended fruits, vegetables and fiber, AppleBoost Products Inc. ( http://www.appleboost.com) is exploring ways to add its healthy snack to children's daily diets.

"The only way we're going to reverse obesity trends is to start with children," says Dave Copeland, President of AppleBoost. "And the only way kids are going to choose healthy foods over sweet or salty snacks is to make 'health' taste good. We've managed to do that with a portable fruit snack loaded with antioxidants that tastes good chilled, frozen or room temperature. In fact, we think we've come up with a snack kids would love to get on Halloween."

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How Electrons are Used to Treat Organic Seeds

"ScienceDaily (Oct. 13, 2008) — Sales of organic products are booming: Consumers want their food to be untainted. To avoid the use of fungicides yet nevertheless protect plants from disease, researchers have developed a method that involves bombarding seeds with electrons to kill fungal spores and viruses.

Whereas a few years ago, organic products were sold exclusively by small health-food stores, they can now be found in the majority of supermarkets. A growing number of consumers prefer to buy organic food that has been grown without the use of chemical pesticides. Conventional farming practice involves treating seeds with a mixture of chemicals: Fungicides to protect the emerging seedlings from attack by microscopic fungi, insecticides against wireworms, aphids and biting insects, herbicides to suppress weeds."

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Dr. Bronner's Can Process with Organic Cheater Lawsuit

"After hearing oral arguments earlier this month, the San Francisco County Superior Court on Thursday Oct. 8th ruled that Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps can proceed with its lawsuit seeking to compel organic cheater companies & certifiers to drop, or stop certifying, deceptive organic label and brand claims. Culprit brands include Avalon "Organics", Jason "Pure, Natural & Organic", Nature's Gate "Organics", Kiss My Face "Obsessively Organic", Giovanni "Organic Cosmetics", Head "Organics", Desert Essence "Organics" and Stella McCartney's CARE "100% Organic". The culprit certifiers are OASIS and Ecocert; Estee Lauder is also a defendant due to its expressed intent to enter the market under its Aveda brand with misleading OASIS certified "organic" products. The 800,000 supporter strong Organic Consumers Association has played a leading role in exposing and educating consumers about deceptive organic branding, and is a party in the litigation with Ecocert."

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Are Organic Farmers Being Squeezed Out?

"CORNUCOPIA, Wis., Oct 13, 2008 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Corporate Takeover Threatens Farmers, Mission
Groups representing organic farmers and their customers are calling on consumers to help save the organic industry by exclusively patronizing dairies, and other brands, that uphold the spirit and letter of federal organic law. They claim the acquisition of major brands by corporate agribusiness, and their dependence on factory farms, threatens to force families off the land and deprive consumers of the superior nutritional food they think they are paying for.

"This could be the end of the organic industry as we know it," said Mark A. Kastel, codirector of The Cornucopia Institute, widely recognized as the organic industry's most aggressive farming watchdog. Cornucopia reports that the proliferation of industrial-scale dairies has bloated the organic milk supply, inflated the price of feed for dairy cows, and resulted in a financial crisis for family farmers, even as the market continues growing -- defying the general economic downturn."

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Poland's Organic Farming Venture

"Eighteen years ago, Boguslaw Klimczak had a barn with 20 cows and a line of patient customers every morning: The farmer in this small town in central Poland sold his locally produced cheeses out of the trunk of his car at the local farmer’s market. Now Mr. Klimczak drives a Nissan SUV, and his company, with 3 million zlotys ($1.2 million) in sales per year, has its own distribution network sending fresh butter, cream, yogurt, and cheeses – made according to traditional Polish recipes – to stores across Poland, and without European Union subsidies to boot.

With strong economic growth in recent years – and a projected expansion of the economy by 5.4 percent this year according to numbers released by Poland’s central bank this week – Poles have begun looking for alternatives to the factory farm produce available on supermarket shelves. Farmers have responded by growing the country’s organic farming industry, a niche market for which the nation is particularly well-suited.

The number of organic farms in Poland has burgeoned during the past 12 years, from 300 in 1996 to some 13,500 today, according to EkoConnect, a German nonprofit think tank that studies organic agriculture. EkoConnect defines organic farming broadly as farming that works with nature instead of against it."

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What Organic Farmers Use to Fight Pests

"For organic farmers, growing crops "green" cannot only be difficult but also frustrating, especially when often the best defence they have against pests are baking soda and garlic.

"Conventional farmers can walk into any store and get hundreds of chemical solutions to help their crops," said Laura Telford, executive director of the Ottawa-based Canadian Organic Growers. "I get at least one phone call a week from an organic farmer about why we only have such a small arsenal of weapons to fight this huge battle with Mother Nature."

The latest statistics from 2006 indicate there are 3,565 organic farmers in Canada working on 1.38 million acres. There are also 116,300 acres reportedly in transition from conventional to organic farming, according to the Canadian Organic Growers."

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Chef Gordon Ramsay Criticizes Duchy Originals

"Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay has criticised Prince Charles’ organic food range, Duchy Originals, for its salt and sugar content.

In an interview, Ramsay has described the Duchy Originals as over-priced and boring.

He has accused the Prince of Wales of using his royal lineage to promote sales of his food, which currently stands has an annual turnover of 50 million pounds.

“I am upset with him. When I looked at his Duchy food I was gob-smacked, amazed and dumbfounded at what I discovered. Why would anyone pay that much money for one of his pies? I tried them. Just because it has a stamp and his royal crest everyone thinks it’s fine, but the number of sodiums, and the sugar content, is embarrassing,” The Telegraph quoted Ramsay, as saying."

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Lammsbräu Introduces Organic Bavarian Beer

"Finally, organic consumers can enjoy an organic genuine Bavarian beer. Lammsbräu, Europe’s leading craft brewer of organic beers, introduces a selection of five USDA certified organic brews to the American market.

Townspeople of rural Neumarkt, a romantic hamlet in Germany’s Bavaria region, have been enjoying Lammsbräu since 1628. Lammsbräu beers have always been pure and flavorful, brewed in accordance with the Bavarian purity law of 1516. This tradition continued until 1977, when sixth generation brewery owner Dr. Franz Ehrnsperger, a pioneer of the German organic movement, wanted more than just to continue to brew beer in the customary way. A staunch opponent of GMO and strong believer in sustainable production methods and organic farming, he proclaimed Protection of the Environment a company goal, shortly after taking over the helm of the company from his parents."

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Bella's Cookies Expands Green Halloween Program

"Milton DE (OPENPRESS) October 9, 2008 -- Bella’s Cookies is bringing Green Halloween back to Milton Elementary School this year, and expanding the program to HO Brittingham Elementary School in Milton. Monday, November 3rd, students will exchange their traditional Halloween candy for a greener and cleaner bag of treats. Bella’s continues to organize this annual event in Delaware in effort to raise awareness of the health & nutritional dangers lurking in traditional treats and candy that are given to children during the Halloween celebration.

“Green Halloween” puts an eco-friendly spin on the traditional celebration of Halloween through a variety of easy to follow green practices. The celebration advocates recycling, earth friendly practices, gardening, green costume ideas, fun contests/scavenger hunts, and of course new ideas for candy & treats. “The fundamentals of the celebration encourage you to think creatively and earth-friendly, said Kelly Leishear (President of Bella’s Cookies) “children get just as excited about treasures and trinkets as they do candy or treats.” For those either giving or receiving Halloween treats, look for ones without toxic and/or harmful ingredients; this is a key concept of Green Halloween – to raise the awareness on the dangers lurking in mainstream, commercially made treats and candy. For years, high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors/flavors, and preservatives have been given without hesitation to children dressed in costume, however with medical conditions such as juvenile diabetes and childhood obesity on the rise, and more children being diagnosed with allergic reactions to certain ingredients, alternatives to the norm are being more sought after by conscientious consumers."

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Steaz Helps Out the Environment By Supporting NativeEnergy Carbon Offset Programs

"NEWTOWN, Pa., Oct. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Steaz(R), the category leader in the healthy and organic beverage market has announced the company will offset the annual carbon dioxide emissions of its operations by participating in renewable energy projects funded by NativeEnergy, a high quality carbon offset provider focusing on new Native American, farmer-owned, and community-based projects. The agreement will enable Steaz, producer of Fair Trade Certified Steaz(R) Sparkling Green Teas, Steaz(R) Diet Sparkling Green Teas, Steaz(R) Energy(TM) and Steaz(R) Organic Iced Teaz(TM), to mitigate its environmental impact by an estimated 1,044 tons of carbon annually through Steaz's support of three community-based NativeEnergy projects, the Colonie Landfill Gas to Energy project, the Dovan Farm Manure Digester Project and the Cascade Sierra Solutions Truck Efficiency project.

'We view our relationship with NativeEnergy as an opportunity to take our commitment to earth-friendly business practices to a whole new level,' said Eric Schnell, co-founder of Steaz. 'Our company's mission has always been to build a healthier world with great tasting, good-for-you beverages for the mind, body, and soul. With our support of high quality projects managed by NativeEnergy, we've achieved our long-held goal of countering our environmental impact through meaningful initiatives, ensuring that our beverages continue to respect our planet too."

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Turtle Mountain Introduces Coconut Milk Ice Cream Sandwiches

"Eugene , OR - Turtle Mountain , makers of America 's most popular dairy-free ice creams and frozen novelties, has introduced the world's first ice cream sandwiches made with non-dairy coconut milk ice cream. So Delicious Mini Sandwiches are a delicious combination of chocolate wafers and creamy coconut milk ice cream that weigh in at only 100 calories per serving.

At 2.3 ounces, each sandwich is sized perfectly for a sensible non-dairy indulgence and will be available in two flavors: Coconut and Banana Split. Banana Split is a unique combination of chocolate, strawberry and banana ice cream. In addition to only having 100 calories, the ice cream in both flavors is sweetened with organic agave nectar, a low-glycemic sweetener that does not alter blood sugar as dramatically as conventional sugar.

These new products build on the success of Purely Decadent Coconut Milk Ice Cream released by Turtle Mountain earlier this year. "The reaction to our coconut milk ice cream was so strong that we decided to see how coconut milk ice cream would taste in a sandwich. They taste fantastic and it's hard to believe they only have 100 calories," said Tim Bennett, Director of Marketing for Turtle Mountain.

So Delicious Coconut Milk Mini Sandwiches will be available in Whole Foods and select other retailers nationally in late October. Suggested retail price is $4.99 for a box of eight 2.3-ounce sandwiches."

Turtle Mountain website

Getting the Most Out of Your Organic Garden

"There is just no shortage of nutrients that you can purchase for your hydroponics garden on the Internet and in stores. It seems that every where you turn, there are scores of large containers of nutrients. But if you are growing organically in a hydroponic garden, how do you make sure that you only purchase the most advanced nutrients for you grow room? Fortunately, there are a lot of ways you can get all of the advanced nutrients you need for your garden totally organically. You simply need to understand what is in those organic formulations.

Here are some of the most popular organic advanced nutrients that can help your garden tremendously."

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Prince Charles Wants More Indian Farms to Go Organic

"Washington, Oct 7 (ANI): Prince Charles of UK has appealed to the Indian farmers to adopt organic farming, with a view to mitigate the ongoing climate change.

According to a report in ENN (Environmental News Network), Charles said that worldwide organic farming has proved to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to the extent of 35 percent, both directly and indirectly.

The Prince of Wales delivered the statement in the Albert Howard lecture to an Indian audience through video-conferencing.

He negated the myth that turning back to organic farming would result in lowering production and productivity."

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Wholesome Sweeteners Introduces First Fair Trade Organic Honey

"SUGAR LAND, TX -- 10/06/08 -- Wholesome Sweeteners, the nation's leader in Fair Trade Certified(TM) organic and natural sweeteners, has introduced the first-ever Fair Trade Certified Organic Honey in the U.S. market. The company also announced that its Fair Trade programs have netted more than $1 million in additional revenues for its Fair Trade Certified partners, supporting their efforts to earn a living wage.

The honeys are collected traditionally by Mayan beekeepers in Chiapas and the Yucatan, Mexico. Wholesome pays a fair price directly to the beekeepers, who have formed vibrant worker-owned cooperatives which create meaningful employment, improve product quality, and send their children to school -- until now, an unaffordable luxury in the economically-depressed regions. Additionally, by protecting the hives and native plant forage areas, Fair Trade encourages biodiversity and helps the forests thrive."

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Elizabeth Hurley to Launch Organic Food Line

"British actress Elizabeth Hurley is launching a range of organic and low-fat food. The actress was inspired to go into business after reading dietary advice for women hoping to avoid breast cancer--and discovering a massive gap in the market.

Hurley tells People.com, "I'm developing a line of products...with a view that they're not only going to be healthy, because they're organic, but I'm obsessed that women find alternatives to eat which are low in fat. I think we know now that many issues with women's health can be linked back to their diet. We've been saying for a long time that many breast cancer specialists recommend sticking to as low-fat a diet as possible, which all has to do with how estrogen is stored in the body."

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VitaSoy Bringing Back Seasonal Favorites

"AYER, Mass., Oct. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Leave the guilt behind and toast the season with Vitasoy's delicious non-dairy holiday drinks, rich and creamy Holly Nog and luscious Peppermint Chocolate!

Both dairy free beverages are organic and low fat and contain no lactose, gluten or cholesterol.

Velvety smooth Holly Nog offers just a fraction of the fat -- but all of the rich taste -- of traditional dairy Egg Nog. It's spiced with a special blend of nutmeg and cinnamon.

For a sensuous touch, enjoy Peppermint Chocolate. It is heavenly served warm like old fashioned hot chocolate or just as delectable chilled. Its sweet, premium chocolate and subtle, lingering mint flavors suit the season well."

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I haven't tried the Holly Nog yet, but I love the Peppermint Chocolate. I plan on drinking it until it comes out of my ears this year!

Whole Deal Program to Feature Martha Stewart

"USTIN, Texas, Oct. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- From pan roasting to slow cooking, fall favorites create welcome aromas in the kitchen and savings in the pocketbook, thanks to sure deals, coupons and budget-conscious recipes found in the new quarterly The Whole Deal(TM) value guide at Whole Foods
Market (Nasdaq: WFMI).

To help shoppers create healthy, flavorful and wallet-friendly weeknight meals, Whole Foods Market has collaborated with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and popular food bloggers who share favorite recipes and cooking techniques.


In the first of Whole Foods Market's "Learn to Cook and You'll Learn to Save!" series, Martha Stewart provides step-by-step instructions for pan- roasting chicken and roasting vegetables from her new book, Martha Stewart's Cooking School (on-sale October 21). Martha will also be highlighting recipes like these in new "Cooking School" segments on her syndicated daytime program, "The Martha Stewart Show" beginning October 21."

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Damhead to Deliver Organic Discount to Edinburgh University Students

"Damhead Organic Farm and Shop is to join forces with Edinburgh University Students Association (EUSA) to offer any student, full or part-time, studying at the University a 10% discount on the Damhead Organic Box Scheme and any purchases made from the Damhead online shop. Students can register free (a saving of £5) then receive a 10% discount and have their boxes delivered free of charge.

"Most students live in the city centre and don't have a car. This means they pay over the odds for veg. The average student signing up to this scheme will save around £350 a year. Going green really does save money" said EUSA President, Adam Ramsay.

Damhead, based in Midlothian between Hillend and Ikea, was established by James and Sue Gerard in 1989, when organic food production was in its infancy."

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Peaches and Apples Have Highest Pesticide Load

"Harvest season for apples and pears is about to hit full swing in the Northwest. Rankings by the Environmental Working Group, which tracks pesticide loads in fruits and vegetables, suggest that you might want to go organic.

The group's guide to pesticides in produce lists conventional apples as having the second-highest pesticide load among 44 fruits and vegetables evaluated. Apples were behind only peaches, while pears came in 10th highest. The rankings reflect an Environmental Working Group analysis of about 51,000 tests for pesticides on the foods in 2000 and 2005 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration"

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Are There Green Beauty Risks?

"The next time you spend a pretty penny on lotion, shampoo or cream that claims to be organic or natural, you may want to think twice. So-called "green" products are not always as beneficial as they seem.

"Most of these ingredients in personal care products are not overseen by the FDA," says Lynda Fassa, founder of GreenBabies.com and author of "Green Babies, Sage Moms." "The poor consumer goes to Sephora and sees something that's all-natural or organic, but that doesn't mean anything."

So how can a consumer tell what's authentic? One way is to look for certification. If a product bears the USDA seal, at least 95 percent of the ingredients are organic. Other organic certifiers include EcoCert, OASIS and the Soil Association, but keep in mind that standards vary. For example, OASIS enforces a minimum of 85 percent organic, compared to 95 percent in products with a USDA seal."

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U.S. Chemicals to be Banned by European Union REACH Regulation

"WASHINGTON - September 30 - Hundreds of companies located in 37 of the 50 United States produce or import hundreds of chemicals designated as dangerous by the European Union (EU). As a result, these companies will be directly affected by controls imposed under the EU's new chemicals regulation, concludes Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) in a report released today, Across the Pond: Assessing REACH's First Big Impact on U.S. Companies and Chemicals.

The report finds that many of the hundreds of chemicals already identified as dangerous by the EU are being produced or imported in the United States in large amounts and at many different sites. The findings provide compelling evidence for the U.S. Congress to protect public health by reforming the nation's primary chemical safety law, the 32-year-old Toxic Substances Control Act.

"The fact that so many chemicals already designated as dangerous by EU officials are actively being produced and used in the United States should dispel any notion that the problem is limited to only a few 'bad actors,'" said Richard A. Denison, Ph.D., EDF Senior Scientist and author of the report. "Toxic chemicals grabbing recent headlines - such as bisphenol A used in baby bottles and food cans, phthalates used in kids' toys, and flame retardants used in furniture - are just the tip of the iceberg in terms of chemicals that demand scrutiny."

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How to Avoid Being Greenwashed

"New York, NY (PRWEB) October 2, 2008 -- With environmental concerns on nearly everyone's personal radar, more and more consumers are purchasing items marked as eco-friendly, sustainable, nature-loving, certified organic and the like. When a company claims a product is green, the public believes them. And all too often, the public is misled. Greenwashing - falsely claiming or implying that a product or service is environmentally friendly - has become common practice as consumers' interest in the wellbeing of our planet is at an all time high.

Kim Carlson, one of the country's leading experts on earth-friendliness, and the author of the upcoming book, Green Your Work: Boost Your Bottom Line While Reducing Your Eco-Footprint, warns that while greenwashing can be as blatant as using a picture of wild flowers on the label of a dangerous synthetic chemical - subconsciously making the consumer think that it is natural - it can also be innocuous. "Even the consumer who knows what materials to look for can be misled," Carlson states. "Take for example, someone who chooses a bamboo table knowing that bamboo is sustainable. It's what happens before the table makes it to the store that is the concern - that bamboo may have been sourced illegally from a old growth rain forest that was cut down to farm the bamboo," she adds."

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Steaz Launches Organic Iced Tea

"NEWTOWN, Pa., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- The Healthy Beverage Company, makers of Steaz Sparkling Green Tea and Steaz Energy, today introduces its newest organic tea innovation -- Steaz(R) Organic Iced Teaz(TM). Like all Steaz products, Steaz Organic Iced Teaz are USDA Certified Organic and made with premium Fair Trade Certified(TM) ingredients from around the world.

"With the launch of Steaz Organic Iced Teaz, we're delighted to reaffirm our commitment to building a healthier world by providing delicious, healthy beverages that fuel the mind, body and soul," said Eric Schnell, co-founder of the Healthy Beverage Company."

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Enticing Farmers to Go Organic

"WASHINGTON — The new farm bill could help feed America's appetite for organic food by enticing more farmers to switch from conventional agriculture.

The legislation, which passed earlier this year, offers farmers as much as $20,000 a year to cover the cost of converting their farms to organic agriculture. There also is money to offset certification costs and new funding for organic research.

"It's definitely the nudge that has been missing" to get conventional farmers to switch to organic, said organic farmer Bill Horner, president and chief executive of Naturally Iowa, a dairy based in Clarinda."

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