Sustainable Farming Using Natural Techniques Could be the Answer to Unpredictable Weather

Article by Alison Withers

Copyright (c) 2011 Alison Withers

As UK farmers begin to harvest this year?s crops reports coming in suggest that the spring drought has not had quite so serious an effect as was at first feared.

Although some farmers are reporting lower yields of various cereal crops, particularly in the worst hit Eastern Counties, others have harvested more than they expected.

In Europe also it is reported that French wheat yields are not as bad as was feared and the Russian crop is expected to rise because the weather conditions have been better than last year, when a severe drought prompted the Government to suspend all exports for that year.

In the farming media there is some evidence that farmers are beginning to look more closely at methods for farming more sustainably in response to the increasingly unpredictable climate.

One UK farmer is quoted as saying he intends to try techniques he had seen used in South America and in Germany where a layer of green/ vegetable waste is left on the soil after harvesting to help keep moisture in the soil.

A report from the American organisation Worldwatch suggests that organic farming has held up well despite the recession, with 37.2 million hectares farmed globally in 2009, an increase of 5.7% on 2008 and that the use of inorganic fertilisers is dropping too.

The declining availability of phosphate, one of the three main ingredients in the older generation of chemical based fertilisers, coupled with the climate issue perhaps more farmers will be encouraged to shift to more environmentally friendly farming techniques.

There are already some low-chem, more natural alternative biofungicides, biopesticides and yield enhancers on the market developed by biopesticides developers from natural substances.

The UK’s Soil Association has also been running a three year climate change programme in Scotland to a three year skills development programme that will equip 500 farmers and growers from 150 businesses with the skills and knowledge to both improve business sustainability and reduce greenhouse gases. This programme will be completed in October 2011.

The Association argues that being more efficient in resource consumption means reduced energy and water bills, reduced production costs and lower waste disposal costs for farmers. This plainly has benefits for both farmers and the environment.

Despite such initiatives, however, it may be a while yet before these words from one committed farmer that the “dangerous mix of ignorance at Government level and corporate control of the food chain” ceases to compromise both farming and the science that supports it.

About the Author

Farmers may be opening up to more natural farming aids, such as agricultural products from the biopesticides developers, and to sustainable farming in a bid to combat increasingly unstable weather patterns. By Ali Withers.

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whereby the original author’s information and copyright must be included.

Sustainable Agriculture Workshop and Farm Tour set for Milford
Southeastern Nebraska livestock producers, farmers and beginning farmers are invited to attend a sustainable agriculture workshop and farm tour on Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Milford. The free workshop, hosted by the Center for Rural …
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Philadelphia, PA (PRWEB) December 03, 2012

Did you know that conventional cleaning products typically contain carcinogens, toxins, endocrine disruptors and other ingredients that can be harmful to human and pet lungs, liver, kidneys, skin, eyes and noses? SOLEA is an acronym — Schools for Organic Living and Environmental Awareness, stating the mission of the company and its principals, right up front to rid our schools and communities of toxic chemicals and get them really clean. Co-founders Laura Lomax and Michael Ledbetter began this social venture last year but it was many years in the making.

While Chef and owners of Soul Vegetarian West Restaurant in Los Angeles, Michael and Laura met many tree huggers and recommitted to their mandate of doing good while doing well. This is my parents mantra so although my father was a very successful physician and entrepreneur, they have always given much to underserved communities, institutions and individuals in need, said Lomax. While others may frown at the idea of a social venture, Lomax and Ledbetter are confident that is the only way for a business to achieve sustainable success it must be a true win-win for people, the planet and stakeholders.

The team saw the growing demand for green products and their inner activists were compelled to address the issues of ecoliteracy and consumerism. While Lomax had a 20-year career in community health care and was reared to be an advocate for holistic living by a doctor father and organic farming mother, Ledbetters background instilled a sort of perfectionism mixed with determination. From working on research and development of strategic weapons as a programmer and systems analyst, Ledbetter did a 180 to promote living in harmony with each other and preserving our precious planet. Ledbetters drive combined with Lomaxs health advocacy has resulted in an effective yet true green cleaner made from plant-based, food grade ingredients that contain no toxic ingredients.

It has been challenging to remain green as a new business making decisions consistent with our standards and spending more to achieve higher value for our customers. The greatest feat was finding the right manufacturer who could create non-toxic chemicals that really cleaned (most eco friendly products leave consumers disappointed and craving the harsh conventional cleansers.) After much due diligence they found the perfect chemist who created the most effective plant-based commercial products using a proprietary process that disperses and dissolves dirt, germs and stains. His 60,000 square foot plant was a mere 50 miles from their corporate offices in Chalfont, PA and meets all of our criteria for a business partner, including becoming completely solar powered within 18 months.

SOLEA products combine forward thinking research with proprietary chemistries, to create effective and environmentally friendly solutions that address a variety of residential and commercial cleaning challenges. SOLEAs locally made, plant-based cleansers include multipurpose cleaner, dishwashing liquid, glass cleaner, multipurpose spray, laundry detergent, and fruit/vegetable wash. SOLEA bottles are made from 96% post consumer content, the sprayers contain no metal and the liquids biodegrade completely within 28 days.

Watch Christina Pirello, teacher and Emmy Award winning Chef of PBS’ ‘Christina Cooks’ praise SOLEA products and mission. Christina says ‘I am genetically wired to love cleaning. What can I say? But as clean as I want my home, I want my planet clean, too. SOLEA satisfies all my needs: natural clean that doesn’t polluteand man, does this stuff work! Im practically in love with the Citrus Laundry Liquid.

Our work extends from online to in the community to our on air presence – The Green Hour radio show. As part of our outreach, SOLEA principals and Naturopath Paul Hopkins, N.D. host a weekly radio program on 900AM WURD called The Green Hour where they discuss health and sustainability with local and national leaders in the sustainability movement such as Annie Leonard (The Story of Stuff) , Christina Pirello (Christina Cooks), and Maurice Hampton (Recycling Philadelphia).

SOLEA continues its inside out approach to spreading sustainability. Coming in December 2012 — a complete body care line.

Find More Sustainable Farming Press Releases

Organic Products – For Healthy Way of Eating

Organic products may not have taken the market by storm, but the market for it is steadily growing as people are becoming conscious about what they eat. Organic food products are grown without using chemicals, fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. It has been found that organic food contains more vitamins, nutrients, and minerals in comparison to food grown using the conventional farming methods. The food is nutritious, which increases a person’s immunity level against diseases.

Dairy products, meat, vegetables, and fruits are some of the organic food items, and these items do not contain artificial additives. Organic food products are grown while preserving the reproductive and regenerative capacity of the soil. Also, good plant nutrition methodology and sound soil management are followed. In the U.S., companies producing organic products have to obtain special certification to market food as “organic.”

Since organic products cost more than the non-organic ones, it’s important to ensure that the products are indeed organic in nature. One should be careful to read the label on the food items. People often think that ‘natural’ products are ‘organic products’ which is a completely wrong assumption — natural products are completely different. Also, one most keep in mind that the label ‘organic’ refers to food products that has met the standards set forth by the USDA’s National Organic Program.

A whole organic way of life is being developed. In addition to food items, there are other products such as cosmetics, clothing, bags & jewelry, baby gifts, personal care products, house-wares, and more are generating interest.

Question by Jag: Organic vs Conventional Beans and Lentils?
I buy Kidney Beans, Garbanzo Beans and Lentils. Is Organic any better than conventional? Some say, it does not matter, they spray the organic too, and some say the pesticides and fertilizers don’t really affect the end crop. I want to know if I am paying more for organic that it indeed is a superior product than conventional. For example: does conventional farm lead to more cancer risks? Is organic more nutritious?

Best answer:

Answer by mark
That’s the million dollar question. Nobody knows for sure but there sure are a lot of people staying away from GMO crops and crops that are sprayed with chemical fertilizer and insecticides.

I guess my take on it is that if you can afford it, go organic. If you’re borderline on being able to afford it then buy organic milk and items where the skin is eaten.

Add your own answer in the comments!

Organic farming skeptics surge
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Orlando, FL (PRWEB) July 13, 2011

With a dismal economic outlook on the horizon, American’s everyone are struggling and have to make difficult decisions with their money. American families are faced with the struggle to save money, and to put safe and healthy food on the table. Consumers are confronted with the question of whether organic is really the way to go. To complicate things further, many consumers have no idea of what the idea of being organic even means; let alone, if the price is worth it according to N2N Global.

The USDA has taken the guess work out of that with national standards for the way that word is used. But know this, just because the label says organic, that does not necessarily mean the product healthier. says Angela Paymard, Chairwoman of the Orlando based, N2N Global.

Paymards Florida based company provides operations compliance, and food safety solutions for food companies which helps ensure the worlds food supply operates in an efficient and effective manner, resulting in a higher quality of food in the supply chain.

The federal government requires organic farmers adhere to certain soil and water conservation methods and the humane treatment of animals. Consumers can buy their organic products here in the United States or from other countries and know that the foods are free of antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, irradiation or bioengineering.

As with any food product, the consumer needs to read the label, Paymard says.

Behind the label

-The organic label means that food is produced and processed according to USDA standards.

-Products where at least 95 percent of the foods ingredients are organically produced carry USDA Organic seal.

-Completely organic products such as fruits and vegetables, or eggs, are labeled 100 percent organic and carry a small USDA seal.

-Foods that contain less than 70 percent organic ingredients cannot use the seal or the word organic on their labels.

Its important that consumers do not confuse the word organic with other health buzz words such as, free range, all-natural, or hormone free.????The USDA says only foods that are grown and processed according to their standards can be labeled as organic, Paymard says. In addition she says, that there is no conclusive evidence that organic food is more nutritious than conventionally grown food. Organically grown food has to meet that same quality and safety standards as conventionally grown food.

Organic VS. Conventional

-Organically grown foods may spoil faster because they are treated with waxes and preservatives.

-Organic products may limit your exposure to chemicals, as conventional growers use pesticides to protect their crops from disease, insects and molds. Those pesticides can leave residue.

-Organic food cost more because of the farming techniques used. Because pesticides are not used, the methods for managing weeds and pests are labor intensive.

Some consumers say organic tastes better and fresher. But taste is subjective. No matter what you decide for yourself and your family, its alwasys best to find the freshest ingredients that you can. The best way you can keep your family healthy and food safe is to educate yourself and read the labels, Paymard reminds us all.

About N2N Global

N2N Globals product suite brings powerful solutions for all members of the food supply chain. For Supply Side companies, N2N offers agri-ERP solutions, farm management, food safety, business analytics and traceability software. For direct to consumer and buy side companies, N2N offers food safety, compliance, and asset tracking tools to help ensure the food supply is properly managed for minimized risk.N2N Global provides comprehensive solutions for companies looking for ways to improve efficiencies, enhance profitability, and ensure food safety. To contact Angela Paymard directly, visit her on N2Ns twitter page http://www.twitter.com/n2nglobal. For more information, please visit http://www.n2nglobal.com.

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Is A Large-Scale Shift to Organic Farming the Best Way to Increase World Food Supply

Article by orderwriters.com

Is A Large-Scale Shift to Organic Farming the Best Way to Increase World Food Supply IntroductionThe world food supply has been one of the main issues that everyone is greatly worried. This is because many are the times different parts of the world have been struck with hunger. Blames have been shifted from one party to another. However, the question that remains in the mind of many people is whether the world can be able to achieve a sustainable environment as well as maintain a stable supply of enough food to the population. The issue of environmental sustainability comes up due to the emerging ways of farming like the great shift of the farmers to the use of organic methods of farming (Smith, 1997). It should be noted that in whatever man does with the environment, it is very important to ensure its sustainability since the environment can do without him but he cannot do without the environment. Large-scale shift to organic farming is not the best way to increase world food supply. This statement has been very controversial as far as issues of the environment are concerned. Currently, due to the emerging issues of food scarcity, many farmers have been forced to get means and ways to increase their farms productivity. One of the most favourable ways to the farmers in terms of the cost is the use of organic agricultural ways of farming which has a very great potential to increase the soil value and not necessarily the agricultural productivity (Easton, 2008). In actual sense the use of the organic agricultural method is one of the means by which most parts of the world are achieving sustainable supply of food as well as environmental sustainability (Smith, 1997). However, other effects are involved. It is one of the methods if combined with the conventional methods is known to cause biological poisoning through a process called bioaccumulation and bio concentration. This is whereby these organic chemicals get accumulated in the soil or the environment like the air and then they are taken by the first organism in a particular food chain before getting to the bodies of the human beings in a poisonous form. An example is when the fertilizers are used in a farm to grow crops. Then, due to runoffs, the chemicals are deposited in the rivers or the sea. Then the fish in the waters accumulated the chemicals in their body, the human being later causing effects in their body like cancers consumes them. Organic farming entails the use of manure, pest control through biological means and the use of pesticides that have been approved organically. It does not involve the use of any synthetic chemicals or fertilizers. It is one of the best ways that is known to upgrade the health of the soil, healthy of the people as well as the ecosystem. This is because it only involves ecological processes, cycles and biodiversity that are very much adapted to the entire local existing conditions (Easton, 2008). It however combines some innovative efforts, traditional methods as well as the scientific methods for it to be successful in terms of environmental sustainability and food production. This method has however been found limiting in terms of food productivity. This is because, claims have been aired that it is actually not a method to be relied on to achieve increase in farm productivity. The use of green manure for instance is of course known to nutritionally add value to the soil. However, issues of pests are not catered for in this circumstance. This means that the crops will grow very well but at a certain age of their growth there could be a pest raid like the locusts. In such a circumstance, if pesticides, which are synthetic, are not used, then the production may be very much affected. Therefore, as much as it is very good in terms of the soil improvement, it is not necessarily the best method to increase the farm’s productivity (Baldwin, 2009). Organic method of farming is one of the methods that have been approved as an economic method of farming. This is because; it entails the use of locally available manure or even the sewage to cultivate. Here there is no use of commercially attained chemical fertilizers, insecticides as well as pesticides. This is one of the reasons it is becoming popularly used. Another aspect that increases its popularity is the fact that when used well it hardly causes any water pollution hence boosting the efforts of the environmentalist of achieving environmental sustainability through the control of pollution as well as the achievement of agro-biodiversity (Baldwin, 2009).Organic method of farming is also known to cause some effects to the health of the human beings. This actually happens in the cases where the fertilizer in use is the sewage. We all know sewage harbour a great number of microorganisms, which are very lethal to the health of human beings. For examples, the plants that have been feeding on the fertilizer may take some of these microorganisms up. Then on harvest, some of these crops like the vegetables or fruits are eaten raw. On consumption, the consumer falls sick due to the acquisition of these microorganisms. These organisms may also not be directly taken in the raw foods. Some of them are known to be thermophillic in that they need a great deal of heat for them to be destroyed, so, for vegetables, which are not cooked completely to preserve nutrients, they may contain these microorganisms. Examples of such organisms are the tapeworms, round worms and the E. coli among others. The issue of feeding the population does not just involve filling up the stomach. The issue of the nutritional value of what one is feeding on is of paramount importance. Well, most people believe that the use of the organic method of farming which of course produces organic foods is healthier than the foods that are produced through conventional method of farming (Cunningham & Cunningham, 2008). However, it has been scientifically proved that the organic fruits as well as the vegetables contain very few agrochemical particles than their counter part of conventional means. Therefore, if the population tend to go for the organic means in comparison to the convention means may mean that the population will suffer in terms of some nutrients deficiency. Such a circumstance means that the population will be fed and at a less cost but with less nutritional valued food. This implies that the organic means of farming too is failing in one way or another (Park, 2001).One of the other most important factors that are making the organic means of farming very favourable is the fact that it entails an integrated interaction between the water, minerals, soil, micro flora, animals, insects as well as the human beings. It leads to a great deal of production and at the same time achieves environmental sustainability in form of conservation of the soil (Kennedy, 2005). This method also involves human resource that is locally achieved meaning that there is no need for anyone got for any training to be able to achieve good results. It is also a method that leaves room for crops rotation. Organic method in comparison to the conventional method is however found to yield less production of the crops. This is because; in the conventional methods, there is application of the synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, insecticides and other chemical that are known to drastically boost the production of the farm. However, this conventional method of farming has been known to cause a lot of environmental damage as well as the health damage. For instance, the use of the synthetic fertilizers in farming is one of the greatest causes of cancers in the human beings (Park, 2001). This happens when there is the issue of bioaccumulation of these chemicals in the plants, which are then consumed by the human beings later. In addition, the issue of environmental damage comes in place when the chemicals used due to some of their residues causes harm to the soil meaning that its productivity is minimised. This harm is because of some of the most important microorganisms in the soil, which aids in soil fertility. Due to the issue of leaching, the ground water is contaminated which later affects the health of man. Another manner, in which this causes environmental damage, is through the fertilizers that are sprayed. Some of these aerosols get to the environment. These chemicals, some of them are great participants to global warming through the green house effect. This is because some of these gases which are being sprayed, they are known to be heat trapping. During the warm weather, they lead to rise in the heat due to the heat that has been trapped between their molecules. Therefore, the use of organic methods of farming is very helpful in carbon sequestration process meaning that the green house effect is avoided.ConclusionThe emerging issue of most farmers shifting to the organic means of farming does not necessary mean that food production will be increased. However, it is very evident that this method of farming is known to yield other advantages like cost effectiveness in food production. This is because this organic manure is readily available and even if they have to be purchased, it will not cost much. It is also known to control of soil pollution as well as maintaining the nutritional value of the soil, since these manures do not contain any synthetic chemicals harmful to the environment (Kennedy, 2005). In addition, it is by this means that the quality of food produced can be achieved in terms of the flavour, the taste and some essential nutrients. However, it is one of the methods if combined with the conventional methods is known to cause biological poisoning through a process called bioaccumulation and bio concentration. This is whereby these organic chemicals get accumulated in the soil or the environment like the air and then they are taken by the first organism in a particular food chain before getting to the bodies of the human beings in a poisonous form. An example is when the fertilizers are used in a farm to grow crops. Then, due to runoffs, the chemicals are deposited in the rivers or the sea. Then the fish in the waters accumulated the chemicals in their body, the human being later causing effects in their body like cancers consumes them.

About the Author

The author is associated with orderwriters.com which is a global custom writing company. If you would like help in custom writing or term paper writing and essays, you can visit orderwriters.com.

Use and distribution of this article is subject to our Publisher Guidelines
whereby the original author’s information and copyright must be included.

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Yuma, AZ (PRWEB) September 30, 2012

Chef Ben Ford, owner of Ford’s Filling Station in Culver City, Calif. — and son of actor Harrison Ford — will be the headline chef at Yuma Lettuce Days, set for March 9-10 (2013) at the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park on the banks of the Colorado River. An annual culinary celebration of Yuma’s role as the nation’s winter vegetable capital, Lettuce Days earned a Governor’s Tourism Award as Arizona’s outstanding special event in 2011.

As a chef and restaurateur, Ford is known not only for his creative techniques, but for celebrating the cycle of life and freshness of the earth through his choice and treatment of ingredients.

That makes him a great match for Yuma, which during the winter months supplies more than 90 percent of the nation’s leafy vegetables. In fact, Yuma County ranks third in the nation for vegetable production, and its annual agricultural output of more than $ 3.2 billion accounts for more than a third of the total production for the state of Arizona.

“We’re excited to introduce Ben Ford to Yuma and to see what he will be inspired to create from our amazing agricultural bounty,” said Linda Jordan, executive director of Yuma Visitors Bureau, which organizes Lettuce Days. “From his appearances on Iron Chef America, The Today Show, Martha Stewart, After Hours with Daniel Boulud, Jaime Oliver’s Food Revolution, Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern, Supper Club with Tom Bergeron, and The Food Network Sandwich Challenge, we know he brings a lot of energy to his appearances and will be a real crowd pleaser.”

Also attending Lettuce Days this year will be radio personalities Bob & Sheri, whose North Carolina-based show is syndicated nationwide. They will participate in tasting and recipe judging and give fans an opportunity to “meet and greet” the duo. Jordan says plans are already in the works to (celery)stalk the radio hosts with Yuma-grown produce in order to seed advance discussion of the event.

Ford will do live cooking demonstrations – and offer tastes to those in the audience – at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Other activities planned for Yuma’s homegrown celebration include other live cooking demonstrations and contests, red-hot ice carvers, a ginormous salad bar and a tasting event that showcases specialties from local restaurants.

There will also be plenty of farm and food-related vendors, live entertainment, a beer garden, displays of tractors and other farm equipment, a special Kids Ag-tivities area and bus tours of through Yuma’s lush fields narrated by local growers.

Put Arizona’s freshest destination food event on your calendar now! As sure as Yuma sunshine, there will be full menu of fun for all, with lots of produce, citrus, melons and dates … straight from the field to the fork! Plans are still germinating, check for other ingredients to be added of our foodie fest at http://www.yumalettucedays.com.

STAR TRACKS BONUS: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away … a young Harrison Ford visited Yuma while filming “Return of the Jedi” in the Imperial Sand Dunes. We note the cosmic coincidence of his son, Ben Ford, starring in Yuma’s culinary showcase some three decades later.

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Yuma Visitors Bureau markets the Yuma area within the travel and tourism industry and to the general public. Yuma’s population nearly doubles in the winter months, thanks to more than 23,000 spots in RV parks and resorts. The community also offers nearly 4,300 hotel rooms, conference and meeting facilities, and three casinos. For more details about Yuma’s year-round attractions, special events – and the rarely “cloudy with a chance of tacos” forecast* – visit http://www.visityuma.com or call 800-293-0071.

Recognized by Guinness World Records as world’s sunniest spot, Yuma offered free meals to hotel guests “every day the sun doesn’t shine” from Aug. 1, 2011 until July 31, 2012 as part of Arizona’s Centennial celebration. Yuma’s final score? Sunshine 365, Gloom 0.

Yuma Visitors Bureau contact:

Ann Walker, 928-376-0100 (office), 928-210-9044 (cell), ann(at)visityuma(dot)com

Yuma Lettuce Days contact:

Susan Sternitzke, 928) 276-3408, 928-246-9255, susan(at)limelightcreativegroup(dot)com

Visitor Information Center: 1-800-293-0071, http://www.visityuma.com

Related Organic Farm Supplies Press Releases

Organic Produce – Organics Outshine Convention

In the 20th Century farming was revolutionised by the introduction of synthetic chemicals in the form of non-organic pesticides, insecticides and herbicides and the widespread systematic use of antibiotics and growth hormones in livestock.

Agriculture became a corporate business and farms became bigger and less diverse with many large areas devoted to mono-cropping. This is intensive farming of the same crop year after year on large tracks of land.

By working against nature conventional farming has disrupted the natural harmony and biodiversity of the earth. Intensive farming practices have damaged our ecosystems; contributing to large scale land erosion, salinity, water pollution and the degradation of natural habitats.

Conventional farming methods rely heavily on the addition of synthetic elements through chemical fertilizers, synthetic nutrients and in the case of livestock antibiotic additives. As a result these elements eventually end up as residue in the product itself or in the natural environment.Now that isn’t to say the produce from conventional farming is unsafe, our food industry is highly regulated and there is no reason to panic or become fearful of food produced from conventional farming.

Conventional farming has provided the means for a stable, world wide supply of a huge variety of foods available to us year round at a price we have come to expect. This has changed the way we shop and the way we eat. But, has it come at a price?

There is some doubt and much debate over the long term health effects of synthetic chemicals, pesticides and antibiotics present in our food. As a consumer it is up to us to evaluate what we consider a healthy, sustainable option. Organic farming offers an alternative to conventional farming practices and one that may be beneficial for our health and the environment.

Organic farming methods work with nature through a system that promotes soil health, natural pest residence and biodiversity. It reduces the need for synthetic elements and aims to provide produce that is chemical free. This is not only a positive outcome for the consumer; it is great news for the planet.

Organic farming takes into account the effect agriculture has on the surrounding environment. It reduces pollution of our waterways and oceans by not relying on synthetic chemicals. Healthy soil practices maintain top soil, organic matter and help to limit soil erosion. By encouraging biodiversity organic farming works to sustains the variety of natural life and living organisms that make-up a healthy environment.

An organic standard promotes healthy soil, biodiversity, nutritious crops and considers animal welfare. It also encourages small independent farmers and gives us an opportunity to buy locally and sustainably and contribute to the economy of our local communities.

Are we willing to change our habits to the more sustainable practice of buying local, in season, organic produce?

Look for certified organic when shopping for fresh fruit and vegetables, wine, cooking oils, nuts, grains and an every growing variety of food stuffs. Support biodiversity and environmental stability by choosing products that contain certified organic ingredients.

You can also find organic alternatives in products made from cotton or that contain plant based ingredients such as essential oils or medicinal herbs.

Although these products may cost more at the checkout, what price are you willing to put on a positive, sustainable future? By choosing certified organic you are putting your consumer power behind a very positive change. The more support for these products the more pressure there is on producers to go organic.

For more information on small, simple ways we can all have a positive environmental impact visit Small Simple Life

The environmental footprint of organic vs. conventional food
This month, a new piece of evidence emerged on this issue, and the news was bad for organic agriculture. A report out of Stanford University found no consistent differences in nutritional content between organic and conventionally grown crops. So how …
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Menlo Park, CA (PRWEB) August 29, 2011

Sunset magazine (http://www.sunset.com) today announced that two of Californias most celebrated mixologists, Erik Adkins of San Franciscos The Slanted Door and Damian Windsor of LAs The Roger Room, will proudly represent their cities as part of Sunset magazines LA vs. SF: Food Town SmackdownCocktail Edition. At 4 pm on October 2, the two will meet on neutral ground in San Luis Obispo Countymidway between San Francisco and Los Angelesto demonstrate their skills in front of a live audience. At the end of the 45-minute event, one city will be declared the cocktail capital of California by an expert panel of judges.

LA vs. SF: Food Town Smackdown is part of SAVOR the Central Coast, a four day food and wine event that takes place September 29-October 2 and celebrates the amazing food, wine and hospitality of Californias beautiful Central Coast.

Cocktails arent just a part of our bar scene, theyre a part of San Francisco history. Some of the worlds greatest and most popular drinks originated in the Bay Area: Irish Coffee, the Mai Tai, Pisco Punch, said Erik Adkins, who is responsible for the acclaimed bar programs at San Franciscos The Slanted Door and Heavens Dog. Unlike LA, which has a handful of good cocktail bars, its possible to get a good cocktail in almost all of San Francisco’s restaurants.

The coldest summer Mark Twain ever spent wasn’t in Los Angeles, noted Windsor, who runs the bar at Hollywood watering hole The Roger Room, and whose Tijuana Brass was named the Best Summer Cocktail of 2009 by Los Angeles Magazine. 75-degrees and sunny, farm fresh produce year round and the beach. Suck it San Francisco!

Its on.

At Savor, Damian and Erik will each prepare two cocktails for the judges to evaluate. For the first, a farm-to-glass cocktail, each mixologist will select at least three ingredients from the Sunset Kitchen Garden, a 2-acre garden planted on the grounds of Santa Margarita Ranch, the site of the Smackdown. After choosing from a dizzying array of local fruits, herbs and veggies at the peak of ripeness, each contestants creation will be judged on how well they incorporate the flavors of the season and the surrounding beauty of the Central Coast. A modern update on a pre-prohibition era cocktail will be the second drink the judges will assess based on how each best expresses the distinct history and culture of the contestants respective cities.

We knew a rematch was in order after Los Angeles beat out rival San Francisco by only one point in our California Food Fight article back in the July issue of the magazine, said Margo True, Sunset food editor and Smackdown judge. Were looking forward to seeing how these mixology masters draw on Californias rich cocktail history and breadth of seasonal flavors to create cocktails that best express the spirit of Californiaand their home towns.

Margo will be joined on the judging panel by LA Weeklys Jonathan Gold, tablehopper.coms Marcia Gagliardi, and, just announced, Charlotte Voisey, whose many accomplishments include awards for Best American Brand Ambassador, two-time Golden Spirit Award winner at Tales of the Cocktail, James Beard recognition and TV appearances on Top Chef Masters and Next Iron Chef America. Additionally, Charlotte looks after the spirits portfolio, and Brand Ambassador team, of William Grant & Sons in the capacity of Company Mixologist.

The Smackdown will take place as part of Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011s Main Event, the centerpiece of the four-day festival. The Main Event will celebrate the flavors of the good life on the Central Coast: Gardening seminars, food and wine pairings, discussions on sustainability, backyard farming exhibits, and cooking demonstrations featuring celebrity chef, Cat Cora. In addition, the Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011 weekend will offer a host of adventure tours, celebrations, and farm-to-table meals to bring the beauty and bounty of Californias Central Coast vibrantly to life, including:

????VIP Reception and Opening Night soir?e at Hearst Castle on Thursday, September 29
????Sunset Western Wine Awards Gala on the Pismo Beach Pier, Friday, September 30
????Paso Glow culinary experience in Paso Robles City Park where local chefs and farmers join Cat Cora to celebrate the Central Coast under the moon on Saturday evening, October 1
????SAVOR the Mission Plaza, an al fresco dining experience in the heart of SLO Mission Plaza, featuring San Luis Obispo Countys best chefs and wineries, Saturday evening, October 1
????Kayaking the Morro Bay Estuary, hiking Monta?a de Oro State Park, hot-air-ballooning over Paso Robles wine country, and much more.

Tickets for the Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011 event are on sale at http://www.SavorCentralCoast.com and at Farm Supply outlets.

Sunset magazine has partnered with the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau to launch Sunset SAVOR the Central Coast 2011. For more event information and tickets, visit http://www.savorcentralcoast.com, or call 8007686653. Become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SavorCC, or follow us on Twitter (@SavorCC). Ticket proceeds and sponsorships are considered donations to the San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Convention Bureau, a 501 c 6 nonprofit tourism organization promoting San Luis Obispo County.

About Sunset magazine

Sunset magazine is the premier guide to life in the West, covering the newest and best ideas in Western home design and landscaping, food and entertaining, and regional travel in 13 Western states. Sunset and http://www.sunset.com are part of the lifestyle group of magazines and websites published by the Time Inc. Lifestyle Group.

About the San Luis Obispo Visitors & Conference Bureau

The San Luis Obispo County Visitors & Conference Bureau promotes San Luis Obispo County through advertising, marketing, public relations and group sales. Its membership base is comprised of over 500 tourism industry-related businesses including lodging properties, restaurants, wineries, golf courses and retail stores. For more information on the VCB, please visit http://www.SanLuisObispoCounty.com or contact Molly Morrison Cano at 805.781.2531 or mollym(at)sanluisobispocounty(dot)com.

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Clothing That Earth Friendly

Article by Cortney Yoder

There is a growing trend of people searching for environmentally friendly choices as the green way of life has become popular. The types of shifts being seen include wind and solar powered energy, earth friendly items and driving habits beginning to change to green vehicles such as hybrids. Eco friendly clothes are also being sought by a more environmentally conscious public. The market for environmentally friendly items is set to spread out as people see with their own eyes the results of global warming.

As to apparel, there’s a lot of confusion with what’s classed as environmentally friendly and what’s not. The rest of this article is going to now concentrate on three materials ordinarily used in our clothes. If you want to determine if clothing is earth friendly, this should make it clearer.

Hemp Eco friendly, hemp is a fabric found in clothes, although there is likely less awareness of it. Everyday apparel such as pants and coats may be made from hemp which as a crop comes from the ground. When you are in a shop, check labels in clothes to determine that hemp is used or a sales associate can be asked about the organic nature of the fabric. Making certain that it is earth friendly can be hindered by the fact that manufacturing hemp is cheap. You only need to check beforehand that it is OK.

A widely chosen fabric, because of a texture that is not excessively heavy, is cotton and you will find it in a lot clothes. Due to the means by which it is created, cotton is oftentimes not very environmentally friendly. It is not eco friendly that fertilizers and huge amounts of water are required to produce cotton. One more environmental problem is the utilization of insidious insecticide. If you are looking for items that are fair trade then cotton will oftentimes not fall into that category. This doesn’t imply that you can’t get cotton made in an earth friendly way, you need to only inquire if the farming of the cotton fulfills fair trade or organic production measures. The fact that environmentally friendly products do get more promotion means that a lot of stores will stock cotton products that are kind to the environment.

Wool: As used in a lot of fine clothes, wool is associated with providing a feeling of comfort. Jackets, hats and sweaters are made from this textile. Wool in numerous instances will be environmentally friendly because it comes from animals but there are things to look out for. If the sheep producing the wool were fed organically grown food then the wool is viewed to be organic. Also, we may inquire if the sheep were raised in a good fashion. Free range sheep raising is to be encouraged even if we have to pay more money for our wool. Research is necessary if you are to know the wool has been derived from sheep farmed in the right fashion.

You are going to see a growth in earth friendly goods because there is more public awareness of the advantages of going green.

About the Author

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Paso Robles, CA (PRWEB) September 28, 2012

Nestled in the coastal mountain range of central California mid-way between Los Angeles and San Francisco and just 30 minutes from the San Luis Obispo Regional Airport, Paso Robles is a centrally located respite for families, couples and groups of friends longing to enjoy a relaxing getaway. Boasting a vast wine region with more than 200 vintners, farm-fresh cuisine, a quaint downtown filled with local artisan shops and galleries and a wide selection of accommodations, Paso Robles offers something for everyone.

Below is a roundup of not-to-miss fall and early winter events. Visitors can plan their stay around the following activities, or just come and relax. For more information on attractions, dining and lodging in Paso Robles, visit http://www.travelpaso.com. For the latest news, visit http://blog.travelpaso.com.

10/2 – 10/4: 2013 Miss Rodeo CA Pageant

Various Locations

Experience the passion and drive it will take for Miss Rodeo California 2013 to promote the sport of professional rodeo and the western way of life as contestants compete in the areas of horsemanship, speech, modeling and personal and horsemanship interviews. For more information and to purchase tickets call (805) 467-3032 or visit http://www.missrodeocalifornia.com.

10/6: Pioneer Day (free!)

Downtown City Park, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Visitors and locals alike with get a taste of what like was like back in the days of the early pioneers as they enjoy live music, a bean cook off, a pet show, a little cowgirl/cowboy contest, a car show and an exciting old fashioned parade through downtown. For more information, visit http://www.pasoroblespioneerday.org.

10/19 – 10/21: Harvest Wine Weekend

Various Wineries

Harvest is a time of huge celebration in Paso Robles wine country, and over this weekend more than 130 wineries will host 150+ individual events throughout the weekend. Enjoy special barrel tastings, blending seminars, grape stomping, food and wine pairings, live music and much more! For more information, visit http://www.pasowine.com.

10/24-11/4: PCCHA Futurity (free!)

Paso Robles Event Center, 8 a.m. daily

This October brings one of the top western equine events on the west coast to Paso Robles.

Cutting horse competitors from near and far will gather for the Pacific Coast Cutting Horse

Associations (PCCHA) single largest annual event. The 2012 PCCHA Golden Hills Auto

Center Futurity will draw over 400 horse and rider teams from nearly a dozen states and Canada, who will compete for more than $ 1million in cash and prizes during the shows 11-day run at the Paso Robles Event Center. All events and parking are free to the public. For more information, visit http://www.pccha.com.

10/31: Safe and Fun Halloween (free!)

Downtown City Park, 4 – 7 p.m.

Ghosts and goblins will love this spooky event that includes trick or treating, a barbecue, pumpkin carving, and even the opportunity to have a photo taken with a witch! For more information, visit http://www.travelpaso.com.

NOVEMBER

11/9 – 11/11: Paderewski Festival

Various Venues

Concerts of solo piano and chamber music, celebrations of local young musicians, an exhibit of Paderewski memorabilia and lectures by experts are planned to celebrate the famous composer’s 150th birthday. For more information and a schedule of events, visit http://www.paderewskifest.com.

11/10: Elegant Evening Downtown (free!)

Downtown Paso Robles, 4 – 8 p.m.

Kick-off the holiday season with an elegant evening strolling and shopping at downtown merchants while enjoying local cuisine and wines. For more information, call (805) 238-4103 or visit http://www.travelpaso.com.

11/10: Paso Garagiste Festival

Windfall Farms, 1 p.m. 5 p.m.

GARAGISTES – (gar-uh-zhe-stuh) n, Fr. – A term originally used in the Bordeaux region of France to denigrate renegade small-lot wine makers, sometimes working in their garage, who refused to follow the “rules.” Its now a full-fledged movement responsible for making some of the best wine in the world. The Garagiste Festival features Paso Robles winemakers who produce less than 1200 cases of wine per year. For more information, visit http://www.pasogaragiste.com.

11/23: Downtown Lighting Ceremony (free!)

Downtown Paso Robles, 5:30 p.m.

Mrs. Claus will officially kick off the holiday season when she lights the holiday tree in all its glory. Enjoy caroling, live music, cookies and hot chocolate. For more information, call (805) 238-4103 or visit http://www.travelpaso.com.

DECEMBER

12/1: 51st Annual Christmas Light Parade (free!)

10th & Spring Streets, 7 p.m.

Grab some warm blankets and chairs and head downtown to enjoy the sights of twinkling lights and spectacular floats. You dont want to miss the parade this holiday season featuring local establishments and of course, Santa Claus who is taking time off from his busy toy making schedule to visit Paso Robles. For more information, call (805) 238-4103 or visit http://www.travelpaso.com.

12/8: 25th Annual Vine St. Victorian Showcase (free!)

8th to 21st Streets, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Thirteen blocks of Vine Street in Paso Robles close down for a night as the crowds of 15,000 plus roam up and down this exhilarating street, featuring beautifully restored Victorian houses, bedecked with sparkling Christmas lights and decorations galore. For more information, call (805) 238-4103 or visit http://www.travelpaso.com.

12/8 – 12/9: Adelaida Cellars Walnut & Wine Festival

5805 Adelaida Road, 10 a.m. 5 p.m.

Grapes arent the only thing harvested at Adelaida Cellars. Boasting over 700 acres of walnuts, Adelaida houses one of Californias largest walnut ranches. Visitors are invited to celebrate the walnut harvest with wine and food pairings, featuring Adelaidas own delicious walnuts. Barry Lundgren, a local woodworker, will be present to showcase his work creating stunning bowls made from walnut wood. Guests will also experience olive oil pressing with Olea Farms, live music and more. For more information, call (800) 676-1232 or visit http://www.adelaida.com.

12/15: Victorian Teddy Bear Tea

Paso Robles Golf Club, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

Grab those beloved teddy bears and head over to the Paso Robles Golf Club for tea and cookies. This is a great holiday treat for children and adults alike. Tickets are $ 7 for children and $ 13 for adults and will be available December 1st at the Main Street office, 835 12th St. in the Normas Alley. Seating is limited. For more information, call (805) 238-4103 or visit http://www.travelpaso.com.

About Paso Robles, CA

Nestled in the Santa Lucia Mountains of the Central California Coast midway between Los Angles and San Francisco, Paso Robles is an affordable and welcoming retreat that offers the authentic California experience. An extensive variety of activities and experiences offer something for everyone including untouched natural beauty, a bounty of farm fresh cuisine supplied by local organic and specialty farms and the nearby Pacific Ocean, more than 200 wineries, renowned cultural attractions, first-class shopping, golf and entertainment, and much more. Visitors can choose from a wide selection of accommodations, from luxurious resorts and boutique inns to leading brand hotels and affordable, family friendly motels. For information on how to make the most of your stay in Paso Robles, visit http://www.travelpaso.com or contact (805) 227-PASO, tourism(at)prcity(dot)com. For the latest news on the area, visit http://blog.travelpaso.com, join us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/travelpaso and follow us on Twitter http://www

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