Meat Eating Contributes to Climate Change

One of my favorite resources is the Organic Consumers Association and I receive their e-newsletter. It never fails to get me thinking. A recent post is a good example.

It highlights a Washington Post article which summarized a number of recent reports indicating that one of the best things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint or greenhouse gas pollution is to reduce your meat consumption. [In the interests of full disclosure, I should note that we are not vegans.]

According the the article:

• A Carnegie Melon study found that the average American would benefit the planet more by being vegetarian one day per week than by switching to a totally local diet
• A University of Chicago study found that switching to a vegan diet would have a bigger impact than trading your gas guzzler for a Prius.
• The head of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, recommended that people give up meat one day a week to take pressure off the atmosphere.
• According to a 2006 United Nations report, livestock accounts for 18 percent of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.
• Americans seem okay being told they should recycle, drive less, and weatherize their homes, but something short-circuits when you ask them to reduce their meat consumption

Gardening Organically

Did you know it's estimated that approximately seven million wild birds are killed each and every year due to pesticide use by homeowners?

Did you know that to make 200 bags of chemical fertilizer it take the same amount of natural gas that could heat the average American home for a year?

Did you know that each year Americans use more than 800 million gallons of gasoline to mow and trim their lawns?

Tips:

• Save money and conserve resources by gardening organically.
• Have your soil tested and add only what is really needed.
• Can you say compost? Add a top dressing of compost twice a year.
• Spray with compost tea and fish emulsion - natural fertilizers.
• Mulch your grass clippings. Clippings are high in nutrients and will reduce the need for additonal fertilizer by 25 %.
• Consider replacing your gasoline lawnmower with a reel or electric one.

Save the planet. Just say no to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

USDA Wants Genetic Engineering Allowed in Organic

"In reality, the divide between organics and biotechnology is an artificial construction maintained by ideology rather than science. A governmental decision to change organic regulations to permit the use of biotechnology could have far-reaching policy implications for global agriculture. Allowing producers to gain organic certification for biotech crops could encourage the development of a new type of environmentally sustainable agricultural production with greater benefits for the consumer."
- USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, "The Unexplored Potential of Organic-Biotech Production," May 26, 2009

Visit the Organic Consumers Association for more information.

Amazing Amber

Beautiful Natural Amber...

My first trip to an outdoor market in Russia, I thought I might be in heaven. I’ve always been drawn to amber and there it was - aplenty and in every size and shape. And where better to behold it than outdoors in glorious sunshine. Shown above is a necklace combining Baltic amber and carnelian for a firey statement.

Amber is composed of fossilized resin that formed from the sap of primeval amber pine trees. It often contains mummified insects or organic matter that have been petrified with it. It’s colors range from light yellow to reddish brown, though it can also be white, blue and greenish. It can be opaque or transparent. Some of the darker clear types can look like honey.

The Greeks called it elektron, meaning sun-gold. Sophocles explained the origin of Amber as the tears shed over the death of Meleager by Indian birds. Nicias explained Amber as being the juice of the brilliant rays of the setting sun that were congealed in the sea and then cast up upon the shore.

In ancient times amber was highly prized for its talismanic powers. This stone was plentiful and the first substance used by man for decoration and is found in Stone Age deposits as talismans or amulets. Today it can be found in the Baltic coast, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, and the Dominican Republic.

With its ability to draw out negative energy, it allows the body to heal itself. Used to stimulate the metabolism and treat skin ailments, Amber should be worn in direct contact with the skin. Amber necklaces are often recommended for allergic respiratory problems. It is also good for treating rheumatism and strengthening the heart muscles.
Amber symbolizes success and arouses a feeling of joy and well-being in the wearer. It is said to ease stress, improve decision-making, and strengthen memory.

With zodiacal affinity with Leo, Amber is also an important gemstone for Gemini, Virgo and Capricorn

Read more about the properties of gemstones, symbols and totems at World Peace Jewelry.