Hiya happy people!

Hope you had a wonderful weekend. Can’t believe how quickly summer is flying.

I can already feel autumn whipping threw the air. How about you?

Summer is not over yet though! For us here in the desert of SoCal were still experiencing triple digit weather. It’s crazy but true.

Enough about the weather already….

it’s time to get meatless!

This week I’m sharing a tried and true brekkie (breakfast) recipe.

I get a lot a questions about my soaked oats brekkie from friends and on twitter.

It wasn’t until a couple summer’s ago that I learned about soaking methods through a book by Sally Fallon known as Nourishing Traditions.

Without getting to involved on the soaking topic;

basically by soaking the oats it allows the phytic acid to break down making it easier to digest and increasing nutrition as vitamins and minerals can absorb into the body easier.

Once the oats are soaked they can be eaten as is or gently warmed as they have already been “cooked” overnight while soaking.

There’s nothing better than starting your day out with a great brekkie (see pic above).

We have soaked oats about 3-4x a week.

It’s an easy and quick meal and the boys absolutely love it!!!

It will truly change what you thought about a bowl of oatmeal. I promise!

Lot’s of fruit and nut combos to be made and eaten.

The best part of all —- > SUPER SIMPLE to do!

… simple, healthy & YUM- O’s …

So many different variations can be done from this basic but classic recipe.

Classic Soaked Oats

To prepare soaked oatmeal recipe, you’ll need:

• 1 Cup Rolled Oats
• 1-2 Tablespoons Raw Cider Vinegar or  Lemon Juice
• 1 Cup Organic Nut Milk of Choice (normally use Almond or Coconut Milk)
• 2 Teaspoons Cinnamon
• ¼ Cup Nuts and Seeds of choice
• ¼ Cup Dried Fruit of choice

Directions for Preparing Soaked Oatmeal:

1. Soak rolled oats, seeds and nuts overnight in enough water to cover – adding lemon juice or cider vinegar to the water.
2. In the morning, drain oats and rinse them well.
3. Add milk to large glass bowl and add in remaining ingredients.
4. If you want to warm it… simply place milk into a pot and gently warm and thicken to your preference.
5. Be sure to stir frequently and simmer on low.
6. Serve with natural sweetener of your choice – we always use honey & occasionally Grade B maple syrup.

We usually eat the soaked oats without warming & leave the oats covered on the kitchen counter top.

You can soaks oats overnight in the refrigerator too but we’ve always done it this way.

Our normal toppings include but are not limited to raisins, cinnamon, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, with a drizzle of honey and oh  some vanilla…maybe 1/2 tsp!

Mmmm!

We’re out of raisins and sunflower seeds, so, this AM I topped my soaked oats with blackberries, cinnamon, honey and walnut and  it was delish ;P

If it’s not soaked oats… we also have a favorite soaked pancake recipe which I’ve “veganized” & only use gluten free grains since writing this post!

I’ve been meaning to try out a fun new recipe by Angela at the Happy Raw Kitchen… so, this morning I started soaking some oat groats! wheeeeeee….

….enjoy!!!!!

Have a great week!

]]> http://recyclingposttoday.com/recycling/meatless-monday-soaked-oats/feed/ 0 http://recyclingposttoday.com/uncategorized/what%e2%80%99s-so-bad-about-non-organic-cotton/ http://recyclingposttoday.com/uncategorized/what%e2%80%99s-so-bad-about-non-organic-cotton/#comments Sun, 08 Aug 2010 14:30:13 +0000 david http://www.thegoodhuman.com/?p=2907

Dear EarthTalk: I always thought cotton was eco-friendly, but I recently heard otherwise. What’s so bad about cotton? And where can I find organic cotton clothing?

There’s a lot “bad” about conventionally grown cotton—cotton grown with the aid of synthetic chemicals, that is. The Organic Trade Association (OTA), a nonprofit trade group representing America’s burgeoning organic cotton industry, considers cotton “the world’s dirtiest crop” due to its heavy use of insecticides. The nonprofit Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) reports that cotton uses 2.5 percent of the world’s cultivated land yet uses 16 percent of the world’s insecticides—more than any other single major crop.

Three of the most acutely hazardous insecticides, as determined by the World Health Organization, are well represented among the top 10 most commonly used in producing cotton. One of them, Aldicarb, “can kill a man with just one drop absorbed through the skin,” says OTA, “yet it is still used in 25 countries and the U.S., where 16 states have reported it in their groundwater.”

Conventionally grown cotton also uses large amounts of nitrogen-based synthetic fertilizer—almost a third of a pound, says the OTA, to grow one pound of raw cotton. To put that in perspective, it takes just under one pound of raw cotton to make one t-shirt. Researchers have found that the fertilizers used on cotton are the most detrimental to the environment, running off into freshwater habitats and groundwater and causing oxygen-free dead zones in water bodies. The nitrogen oxides formed during the production and use of these fertilizers are also a major part of the agricultural sector’s greenhouse gas emissions.

This is all true despite that the use of sprayed insecticides is quickly decreasing with the advent of genetically engineered cotton seeds that have insecticides bred right into them. A third of global cotton cropland and 45 percent of world cotton production now uses genetically engineered seeds. This poses a whole other set of issues, as some scientists fear that the proliferation of such “Frankenseeds” can lead to pest immunities and even the unleashing of so-called “super pests” that can resist virtually any pesticide.

Organic cotton farming eschews synthetic chemicals (as well as genetically engineered seed) in favor of time-tested natural alternatives that ward off pests, replenish and maintain soil fertility and generally optimize growing conditions without compromising the environment or our health. “Composted manures and cover crops replace synthetic fertilizers; innovative weeding strategies are used instead of herbicides; beneficial insects and trap crops control insect pests; and alternatives to toxic defoliants prepare plants for harvest,” says the Sustainable Cotton Project (SCP), a nonprofit that helps cotton farmers in California’s Central Valley discover the economic, environmental and health benefits of avoiding synthetic chemicals.

For consumers able to pay a little more, there are now thousands of organic cotton retailers. The OTA reports that American farmers increased plantings of organic cotton by 26 percent in 2009 over 2008, while sales of organic cotton fiber grew 10.4 percent (to $521 million) during the same time. The OTA’s Organic Pages Online lists vendors (and links to their websites) by product type; many sell online as well as through retail chains. Even some big box stores now offer organic cotton items. So keep your eyes peeled and be a part of the solution by opting for organic cotton next time you stock up your drawers.

CONTACTS: OTA, www.ota.com; EJF, www.ejfoundation.org; SCP, www.sustainablecotton.org.

SEND YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS TO: EarthTalk®, c/o E – The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; earthtalk@emagazine.com. E is a nonprofit publication. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe; Request a Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

Photo by Kopfjäger

Please don’t miss the Change.org petitions over on the right hand side of the site. Topics like offshore oil drilling and the Climate Bill are awaiting your support!

You may also enjoy:

1. To Organic Or Not To Organic – It’s An Obvious Choice.
2. What Are The Most Important Foods To Buy Organic?
3. Zkano Organic Cotton Socks Review & Giveaway.
4. My New Simple Shoes Made From Organic Cotton & Recycled Rubber.
5. I Am Giving Away Pairs Of Organic Cotton Socks This Week To Site Subscribers.

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How do you DO?

I’ve been zippity doo da’ing ….

click on photo’s for better view

Check out this full plate of rewards from our garden…

green beans

serrano peppers

bell peppers

our only 2 white bird peck peaches

bunches of basil

our last 3 carrots

& our 4 standard eggs

I’m watering my MIL’s garden while they’re on vay k…

her garden is flourishing with all sorts of squash, tomatoes, peppers (all kinds), beets and plenty of wild purslane!

Crook neck squash

Butternut squash

& Trombocino squash

Making myself some sort of tomato basil creation with these lovely juicy red tomatoes!

I heart fresh veggies from the garden.

It just makes my heart pitter pat.

I love being barefoot while I tend over our bounty.

GRATEFUL.

This is what summer is about.

fresh, abundant, organic produce at your fingertips!!

Grown with LOVE.

<3

How does your garden grow?

Dear EarthTalk: What are the most important foods to buy organic?

Given the usual higher prices of organic versus conventionally-grown foods, it can be a challenge to get the biggest bang for our buck while eating healthy and avoiding the ingestion of synthetic chemicals along with our nutrients. One approach, say some experts, is to only buy organic when the actual edible parts of a non-organically grown food might come into direct contact with toxic fertilizers and pesticides. The nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that consumers can reduce their chemical exposure by some 80 percent by either avoiding the most contaminated conventionally grown fruits and vegetables altogether, or by eating only the organic varieties. To help us sort through what and what not to buy, the group offers a handy Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides, which fits on a small piece of paper that you can keep in your pocket and have handy on grocery trips. You can print it out for free from EWG’s FoodNews.org website, or you can download it as a free App for your iPhone.

To make it easy to use, EWG has distilled its analysis into two lists. The first, “Dirty Dozen: Buy These Organic,” lists foods that when grown conventionally contain the largest amounts of pesticide and fertilizer residues. These include peaches, strawberries, apples, blueberries, nectarines, bell peppers, spinach, cherries, kale/collard, greens, potatoes, and (imported) grapes. Consumers should definitely spend the extra money for organic versions of these foods. On the other side of the coin, EWG’s “Clean 15” list includes foods that contain the least amount of chemical residues when grown conventionally. These include onions, avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, mangos, sweet peas, asparagus, kiwi, cabbage, eggplant, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapefruit, sweet potatoes and honeydew. It’s OK to eat conventionally grown varieties of these foods. EWG analysts developed the “Clean 15” guide using data from some 89,000 tests for pesticide residues in produce conducted between 2000 and 2008 and collected by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). What’s the difference, you may ask? EWG found that by eating five conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables a day from the Dirty Dozen list, a consumer on average ingests 10 different pesticides; those who stick to the Clean 15 list ingest less than two.

Other foods you and your family eat, such as meats, cereals, breads and dairy products, might also be exposing you to unwanted chemicals. According to EWG, the direct health benefits of organic meat, eggs and milk are less clear, but you should play it safe by sticking with all-natural, free-range, grass-fed meats that are not fed antibiotics or growth hormones, and by choosing only organic dairy products.

Thanks to increasing demand, more and more food purveyors are putting extra emphasis on organics. This will ultimately result in both lower prices and larger selections. Natural foods market aisles are already teeming with organic choices—and chances are your local supermarket or big box store has introduced organic versions of many popular items. Consequently, there has never been a better time to take stock of what you are feeding yourself and your family, and to make changes for better health.

CONTACT: EWG, www.foodnews.org; USDA/FDA, http://usda-fda.com/articles/organic.htm.

SEND YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL QUESTIONS TO: EarthTalk®, c/o E – The Environmental Magazine, P.O. Box 5098, Westport, CT 06881; earthtalk@emagazine.com. E is a nonprofit publication. Subscribe: www.emagazine.com/subscribe; Request a Free Trial Issue: www.emagazine.com/trial.

Photo from by MJorge

Please don’t miss the Change.org petitions over on the right hand side of the site. Topics like offshore oil drilling and the Climate Bill are awaiting your support!

You may also enjoy:

1. To Organic Or Not To Organic – It’s An Obvious Choice.
2. Cool Foods Campaign: Take A Bite Out Of Global Warming.
3. Who Owns Your Favorite Organic Food Brands?
4. Such A Thing As Sustainable Sugar? Not Quite.
5. Healthy Snacks Being Marketed To Kids That List “Natural Flavors”.

How are you? Hope you’ve had a wonderful Saturday. I managed to get some things done around the home front but other than that the REAL highlight was going to the farmer’s market and picking up our CSA crate. The Farmer’s Market seems to be getting busier by the weekend. I was a little later than normal and missed out on the cilantro and squash blossoms. I was early to the CSA pickup though and scored extra plums and bell peppers! wOOt, wOOt! Seriously, can’t believe we’ve enjoyed 12 crate loads so far on this locavore journey of ours.

I only came home with swiss chard and strawberries from the Farmer’s Market because between the garden and CSA crate; we’re getting lot’s of great seasonal produce. Still love to support local farmer’s though!!

Check it out!

I’m always amazed by how quickly things grow ...

the watermelons are taking off…especially this one!

Baby cucumbers… whoohoo!

Cute lil itty bitty beans, curling… do you see them… ?? adorb!

Do you think fairies play inside these magical bean stalks??!! I do! 

Our family of baby pumpkins… the first family (we think) died from heat stroke! 

Sorry the lightening is off…but it was the only time of day I was able to get out with the cam (D-40) .

Green Bell Peppers… our bells are lovin’ us of this year…they dig there home (raised bed).

What’s up doc? sorry! can’t help myself!

The kale is doing better BUTl… I think the bugs have invaded it…

some kind of black bug…worm maybe?! I’m doing my best to keep them alive tho!

Damn pests.

baby jalapeno pepper… mmm, spice! Love me some spice!

My pepper pot is going to make it after all. yay!

Mmm!  Tomato’s …

Still nursing these guys too (our zucchini) is struggling this year. The plants will bear fruit but die off…

we’ve fertilized, watered and lovingly cared for them. There is a baby zuke in there 2 actually…

and the other plants have a couple also… *fingers crossed*

This week we harvested 2 strawberries, 4 jalapenos, 4 carrots & 2 heads of cabbage!

so much fun to garden with the tots! They love gettin’ dirty and diggen’ things up, that’s for sure.

Our rooster…. formerly Lois but now named Louie.. how appropriate!

Funny how things,  happen, huh?!

CSA CRATE CONTENTS:

* bell peppers

* carrots

* 2  kinds of plums red/green

* cantaloupe

* summer squash

* butterhead lettuce

* red leaf lettuce (lettuces not pictured…put em’ away before I snapped a shot!)

* garlic chives

* tomatoes

* potatoes

* onions

* green beans approx 2 1/2 lbs!

Roma and Beef steak tomatoes! juicy and sweet! did I hear someone say salsa?

Love packin’ away organic fruits, veggies and herbs in my wonder thunder produce bags.

Makes my heart leap…

btw, these bags are organic and  printed with safe water-based inks! YES!!!

I have lot’s of plans for this haul of produce… mainly to get it into my belly…

but you know what I mean, err, well, I hope, anyway! LOL!  Lot’s of menu ideas! hee, hee!!

Support your local farmer!  Join a CSA today or find a farmer’s market near you!

P.S.

you might have wondered why my site was acting wonky by displaying old posts on the main page…it won’t be doing that anymore, thanks to @dawniemom!

Enjoy your Sunday!

Hope you enjoyed yesterday’s front yard urban garden update!

We have a lot of ideas and still have much more work to do.

It’s a slow going process but so worth every little bit of progress.

The backyard garden is doing alright this year. The heat really interferes with growth.

It’s tough but so much of a live and learn experience.  Gettin’ there.

Today, we did nothing but tend to the garden and housework… all day long! It was totally worth it because things are much neater and tidy.

The garden was fertilized, watered, weeded and we harvested basil, two serrano peppers & more peaches. Lot’s of yummy veggies & fruit coming our way shortly.

This post is full of pics and is lengthy, SO consider yourself  forewarned. LOL!

Our Basil is doing so well… parsley, cilantro, and 2 different kinds of thyme in this bed

& watermelon would be on the left …(not pictured)

Cukes trellised … so many blossoms…fingers are crossed!

Almond trees in the ground!

The area we live in was once known for it’s almond orchards…

some still exist but many have been plowed by new development

Backyard garden…  our pepper bed on the right… (chocolate, purple, green, jalapeno’s)

The calendula flowers are starting to die out… we reworked the bed today and planted more beets and dill!

Zucchini bed having some trouble… starting to come back and turn green again

WAS yellow and had spots (possibly mold) but looking a bit healthier these days.

Will get a flower then baby zuch’s die off…so, we shall see. A little bummed about the zucchini…

anyone know what might be the problem?

Dixie out free ranging or wreakin’ havoc…

she loves to eat our tomato flowers… Grr!

The eco tot and Baby C garden is in the very front of the pic… carrots and peppers so far…

all planted by Tristan, our 3 year old himself. He works this area and waters…

Baby C proved that he liked dunking his head in the muddy water after his brother watered.

It was pretty hilarious and I wish I would have had the camera for that shot.

Strawberries halted in production but have a a couple blossoms…

*click on photo’s to enlarge* 

Hot green chili peppers…serrano’s and jalapeno’s

These pepper plants nearly died while we were on vay k!

upon my return I discovered them to be a shriveled mess.

After a little water revival they perked up some..

Not entirely but it’s looking WAY healthier.

Tomatoes! We shaded them some because it’s hella hot

& they could use a little break from the heat.

They’re VERY happy about this.

Purple kale…

living on (just barely) after Henrietta & Dixie took the liberty of helping themselves!

Asparagus, in it’s first year… the stalks fern out… pretty, huh?!

They’re some baby gus’s in the box but the first year they get to kick it.

Our 2 peach trees sit beside this box… only 1 is producing fruit this year.

I’m still leaving out our cabbage bed, carrots, grapes, apricot, cherry and nectarine tree…

phew… it’s overwhelming! LOL!

Our first Orange Jubilee Tomato and the chicks pecked at it!

sheesh!

Now onto the CSA loot… all organic & farm fresh… support your local farmer!!!

“personal” watermelon (scored 2 extra for being early at the pickup)

& a cantaloupe from the farmer’s market.

Peaches& Saturn Peaches– round (on bottom)

red potatoes galore.

Sunny, sun… sunflowers! They brighten my soul.

Olliaberries & cilantro are from the farmer’s market…

purple basil, corn (gave 4 ears to parents)

paddy squash (3), summer squash (3) all included in CSA crate.

I like to reuse the butcher paper from the CSA box and wrap up herbs in it.

Once herbs are wrapped, I allow a tiny bit of water to run through so dampen the paper…

this helps the herbs “keep”.

Kale from the farmer’s market. I promise it’s not moldy… LOL!

Oops! PLASTIC…. next wk. I need to remember to leave the green baskets behind &

remember my cloth bags because this week I forgot them… doh! The consequences:

2 plastic bags and the green baskets. YUCK!

Red onions…  which I plan to use in salsa

Oh! which reminds me… I completely forgot to edit the jalapeno and tomato pic…

visualize 4 tomatoes, a package of cherry tom’s & a handful of peppers ( jalapeno & serrano), will ya?

All tucked inside our CSA crate!

Looking forward to using up our bounty of veggies & fruits (from the garden and our crate).

Having fresh organic produce on hand makes me giddy!

Are you involved in a CSA share?

How does your garden grow?

Hope you had a great weekend!

Our little front yard urban garden….

Such a difference from the last post!

Lot’s of flourishing going on…

Watermelon is trellised & cukes but not in this pic!

Bush beans are starting to flower…look closely and you can see little pods.

Pumpkin & Cucumber plants … tall plant in the back is Basil.

& not pictured but in front of the Basil is lemon thyme, parsley, cilantro, thyme and our…

watermelon….

SQUEE!!! SUGAR BABY’S…. Lot’s of them!!!

Lot’s of baby pumpkins like this one TOO!

MMMmmm…Summer, I LOVE, LOVE you!

We harvested our peaches off one tree… 45 in this bowl and still more to pick!

Did someone say cobbler? Um, yeah! ;P

Thinned out the carrot bed some more….

Lot’s of faces and smiles from this little guy, while doing so… just call him “bugs” LOL!

Volunteer sunflowers… food for the bees! I also bought some at the farmer’s market today and put them in a vase.

ahhh, the vibrant colors…they instantly lit up my home .

Hope you’re doing something summery with lot’s of sunshine & smiles.

Stay tuned for garden update, part 2!

No matter what type of critter you are facing, there is a green pest control option. In this guide, you will be able to find the right solution to your pest problems, no matter what they may be.

Rotenone-Pyrethrins Liquid Spray

A liquid spray product, this choice is useful for a number of different pests and is safe in most situations. Made from organic compounds, the Rotenone-Pyrethrins spray can be used directly on plants to kill bugs and can even be sprayed on domestic animals to control fleas and ticks. Other bugs, which are detrimental to your plants and flowers that can be controlled with this spray include Stink Bugs, Aphids, Japanese Beatles, Leaf Hoppers, and Fire Ants.

Lime Sulfur Spray

A handy spray, this organic choice not only controls a number of different pests, but it also stops fungus that damages certain shrubs and trees. The Lime Sulfur spray is used during the winter when plants and bugs are dormant. It will kill such pests as various Mites, types of Borers, and Scales. In addition, the spray will stop the fungus that causes Mildew and Black Spot.

Garlic Barrier Insect Repellent

If you would prefer to repel insects and pests instead of eliminate them, then Garlic Barrier could be the right choice. This product is made from concentrated garlic and is safe in all garden and farm situations. When Garlic Barrier is sprayed on plants, it is absorbed and is quickly protecting every part of the plant, from top to roots. Garlic Barrier works well at repelling such insects as Mosquitoes, Deer Flies, Gnats, and other pests, which will bite humans and animals.

Diatomaceous Earth

A light and abrasive combination of silicate and sedimentary powders, this product is a non-chemical way to kill and repel a wide variety of pests. If you are having trouble with snails and slugs, you can create a barrier around your plants since the pests will not cross this product. Because it is abrasive, it will damage the soft skin of slugs, deterring them from the area. The Diatomaceous Earth will kill other insects because it dries out their exoskeleton. These insects include Ants, Carpet Beetles, Fleas, Ticks, Roaches, and various types of flies.

Mosquito Magnet

If you live in a mosquito prone area, then you know the true definition of pest. These bugs buzz in our ears and leave a bite that itches terribly. For people, mosquitoes carry the danger of such diseases as Yellow Fever and West Nile. For dogs and cats, the bugs can bring heartworms. You most likely also know that when mosquitoes swarm, it can seem a losing battle to fend them off. Mosquito Magnet works differently than other products. This machine attracts the mosquitoes to it, drawing them into a trap. You will find that the whole swarm will go to it instead of you and your family.

Sharp Shooter Insecticide

When you want a truly non-toxic all encompassing product, you cannot go wrong with this one. Using all-natural lemon juice, Sharp Shooter can be sprayed on all types of plants, including fruits and vegetables. The insecticide can control many types of pests, including Ants, Beetles, Snails, Slugs, Aphids, Leaf Hoppers, Meal Worms, Caterpillars, Mites, and Mosquitoes. The insecticide is so safe that it can be sprayed on crops even on the same day that they are to be harvested with no worry of harm to humans.

Neem Oil

You know a product is a safe alternative when it is even used as a cooking oil in some of its forms. Neem Oil is a totally organic option to control pests, and is used in cooking and cosmetics in many countries. Neem Oil can control a number of pests by halting their reproductive cycle, but it remains safe to animals, people, and birds. Insects that can be controlled include Aphids, Mealy Bugs, Locusts, Caterpillars, Beetles, Gnats, Snails, Mosquitoes and Cockroaches.

Hot Pepper Wax Insect Repellent

Including a combination of sea kelp, organic edible wax, and garlic, this spray works well to repel insects and is still non-toxic to humans and animals. This product works differently than others and must be absorbed into the pests of question, so it will take a day or so to become completely effective. The Hot Pepper Wax spray can kill and repel a number of insects, including Aphids, Mites, and small flies. However, the spray is not effective against hard-bodied insects, such as beetles.

BotaniGard ES

Created from a strain of fungus, this product works well as a full crop repellent for many damaging insects. While it controls and kills insects, it does not contain any of the harmful chemicals that you will find in many traditional insect killers. BotaniGard EX works against such insects as Whiteflies, Aphids, Mites, Mealy bugs, Beetles, and Weevils. BotaniGard works by penetrating the insect’s exterior and killing them.

Copper Dust

Made from Copper Sulfate, this dust works well on even delicate fruit trees since it will not burn or damage them. Copper Dust works well at repelling many of the common pest insects, but it also works to stop a number of the damaging fungus that effects fruit and vegetable plants. Copper Dust can stop such damaging fungus as blight, black spot, and mildew.

Rotenone 5%

This fully organic dust is created specifically to deal with those pests that are just plain hard to repel or kill. When you feel at your wit’s end in the pest battle, then you may find the solution in Rotenone 5% powder. This powder works to kill a wide array of insects, including Aphids, Leafhoppers, moths, maggots, beetles, Mealy bugs, spiders, Cabbage Worms, Fruit Worms, Stink Bugs, and weevils. It is important to note that the spray does contain a skin irritant and care should be taken when it is applied.

Liquid Copper

This organic version of liquefied copper  is effective in controlling a number of fungi and diseases that attack many vegetable and fruit crops. This product can help to stop such diseases as powdery mildew, Black Spot, Leaf Curl, rust, and Fire Blight. The product is useful on vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants.

Dipel 150 Dust

A product designed to use on lawns and crops, this dust is made to stop chewing insects, in other words, worms. These types of insects can completely destroy a crop if they are not stopped. When Dicon 150 is applied as soon as the pests are noticed, it can kill instantly. Chewing bugs, which can be controlled by the product, include caterpillars, chewing larvae, Cutworms, Webworms, Tobacco Worms, and Cabbage Loopers.

Critter Ridder

If the pests that plague your yard and your plants are of the warm-blooded variety, then Critter Ridder can be the right organic product. A liquid or granulated product that irritates pests if they touch or taste it. Critter Ridder will work to repel such animals as Raccoons, Cats, Skunks, Squirrels, and Groundhogs.

When you want to protect your yard, your garden or your crops, then consider choosing a green product that will work quickly but will not harm the environment or your family. Choosing organic products is not only safe, but it is also smart and helpful. You will find that your pest problems disappear very quickly.

About the Author: Leslie Douglas is a freelance writer who is passionate about the environment and leaving a legacy of appreciation for the outdoors to future generations.

Please don’t miss the Change.org petitions over on the right hand side of the site. Topics like offshore oil drilling and the Climate Bill are awaiting your support!

You may also enjoy:

1. The 2010 Guide To Safe Sunscreen.
2. 2009 Eco-Friendly Gift Guide From The Good Human.
3. Why You Should Be Planting Native Species.
4. 16 Ways To Reuse Old Coffee Grounds.
5. We Don’t Need A “Green” Everything.

Hope you all have a great weekend. TGIF!

I’m sure many of you, like myself, have wondered what to do with an item… as in how to reduce, reuse and recycle it!

you know; commit an eco action and feel like a planet saving hero…right? Right!

Today’s,  planet saving hero, is a friend of mine; whom I had pleasure of meeting on twitter.

His name is Mike, otherwise known as Canarsie BK across the web … he’s down to earth… AND

he’s determined to show you just how easy it is to go green… all year long.

His non intimidating sustainable acts prove eco friendly can be simple & fun.

Be sure to follow Mike’s journey and get an eco glimpse of his 365′in ways filled with plenty of fantastic 3R’s (green) ideas.

Today, he uses a tea bag to clean tiles... check it out!

Hope you had a great weekend. Ours was jam packed – go, go, go! We even managed to get a few things done out in the garden. I can’t believe it’s been almost a week since I’ve posted anything here.

Baby C is gettin’ in his molars and is having a little trouble getting to sleep so it’s been tough for me to stay up and blog. I’m thinking it may even be safe to say that posts may be sporadic through the summer season as activities tend to pick up.

With the warmer weather here the inspiration for light and fresh meals has already begun. Lot’s of fresh fruit, salads, water, green smoothies and frozen treats have been on the mind and going into the belly. I have to say I’m getting better and better at eating raw meals. The heat makes me crave more raw, fresh foods. I’m so much more aware of what is going into my body since I started this journey which was actually last summer. It’s not perfect…but I’m learning so much about eating healthier and am doing my best to make healthier choices.

I’m trying to keep it relatively simple when it comes to raw vegan meals. I have a nice collection of raw uncookbooks as well as a few e-books. I’m in love with all of Ani Phyo’s recipe books and have made quite a few of her dishes. I recently made her banana bread biscuits and trail mix cookies! SOOOOoooo good!

The banana bread was just like the flour version but seriously, so much better and fresher tasting. I’m planning to make more soon. I hope to also meet her when she returns to Los Angeles for her book signing tour.

The eco tot really loves these donut holes, so, I’ve been making those up too (and I totally thought I took a picture of em’ but I guess not). Last week, was a toughie. I’m really hoping to stay on top of things more this week. Fingers crossed. I hate making promises I can’t keep.

Anywho! before this post turns into some sort of rant… (warning you…)

I’d like to highlight two e-books I’ve been uncooking from.

- The Magically Mysterious Raw E-book

- Raw on $10 a Day (or Less)!

LOVE, LOVE, them. Both are very different and unique in their own regard but have one thing in common SIMPLE & delicious recipes.

A dehydrator is required for some of the recipes featured but for those of you who don’t own one you can always use your oven on the lowest setting. Our oven does not set below 170 and in the raw foods world above 115 degrees destroys beneficial enzymes. I do what I can for now but I do WISH for TSM dehydrator.

Dehydrator or not… eating raw fresh foods does not require heating your food. A dehydrator helps people like me transition into the world of rawkin’ foods (makes ya feel like you’re still cooking somewhat).  I’ve made a few recipes from each e-book. Each one has been yummy.  Again, no pictures- I know, bad bloggy! *smacks hand*

To tell you the truth I’m horrible about remembering to take foodie pics until it’s too late and it’s already gone.  lol!

On top of eating raw, we mainly eat vegetarian and vegan dishes. Recently, I  had snatched up some daiya cheese from the health food store…

It’s not half bad and surprisingly cheesy!

If you haven’t heard of Daiya cheese it’s a dairy free cheese made from tapioca rather than soy! It was a splurge and I was surprised my local health food store carried it….I meant to grab the mozzeralla but instead grabbed cheddar. It melts and pulls apart just like cheese and tastes a lot like an american cheese. We added it to eggs, baked potatoes, steamed broccoli and also made quesadilla’s one night (heavy on the gauc ). If you’re a vegan or veggie don’t miss out on this one!

Wish it didn’t come packaged in plastic though because I truly cringe when I buy items packaged in plastic. I don’t like to support all the plastic litter especially since I can’t recycle the package. Wish companies would get smarter and start packaging their products sustainably or at the very least package them in plastics made from recycled materials. daiya in bulk? Sheesh! <end rant>

I tell ya,  never thought being a mama to boys would be such a TOUGH task. Holy tots, wonder woman! Pre-kids, my lists were all checked and you couldn’t find a crumb or dust in this place. My OCD has gone out the window along with my skills it seems… still some room for patience but it’s difficult some days. I have a mild case of scatterbrainnervia aka anxiety (self diagnosing, myself here!).

Which is why I need to get this healthy eating on track so I can start gaining more clarity and function properly. SHEESH! I definitely feel a difference on days I eat more raw then on days when I eat foods that I know I shouldn’t be eating. bleah! Wish I had a lot more determination, like my bloggy friend Alysha! Blogging has been a bit overwhelming for me to get done lately too (in case you haven’t noticed ). With two active tots, teething, yada yada yada… + on my free time I’ve been doing a lot of research on homeschooling and reading a lot of great new blogs! good times.

Okay, okay, I’ll quit complaining and do my best to bring you green action on the daily but stick with me if it only happens weekly, please! 

So, tell me, what have you been cooking or uncooking up in the kitchie?