Green Babies, Safe Moms: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Your Organic Baby (2008) by Lynda Fassa, Founder of GreenBabies.com, an organic baby and kid clothing store.
This book is for anyone who is interested in changing their life into a more non-toxic, organic, sustainable lifestyle. You do not have to be a mother or father expecting a new child to glean excellent advise from her easy to read book.
I am not a mother nor do I intend to be, but long ago I decided that I should behave as if I were pregnant. What I mean is, if doctors and manufacturers say that pregnant women shouldn't eat tuna, drink coffee, or take certain medications and nutraceuticals because they may harm the baby, then I decided that my health (without a baby growing inside) is just as valuable and therefore, I shouldn't consume those things. It was tough giving up tuna and other fish that tend to host high levels of mercury. It was even more difficult to give up coffee but I believe that I enjoy a greater level of health because of it. Similarly, readers of Green Babies, Sage Moms can benefit and make their bodies and environments less toxic, or at the very least, become more aware of the bombardment of pesticides, herbicides and other chemical onslaughts and the unsustainable, consumptive lifestyle many of us lead.
Fassa enlightens us on organic foods and the chemicals incompatible with human life in cosmetics, perfumes, and hair products. She also talks about the use of pesticides used in cotton production and she touches on the burdens of waste in our trash dumps and how to improve indoor air quality by using non-toxic cleaners.
The book is full of resources and commentary by other green industry leaders. It is a quick read and is hopeful and not a "doom and gloom, scare the pants off you" book.
Green Babies, Safe Moms: The Ultimate Guide to Raising Your Organic Baby should be available in your local library (that is where I pick up my copy) or through Amazon.
Safe Green Living - Because not all sustainable living is healthy for humans.
Tips for non-toxic, organic, sustainable green living.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Colorado Needs "Water Day" Earth Day Reflections
The different domains of the globe can be separated by categories: earth, air, and water. Earth Day celebrates all three domains collectively in an attempt to encourage each of us to nurture and respect our own relationship with the environment. But in Colorado there seems to be a more pressing concern, our water, or better said, the lack of it.
Yesterday afternoon I watched a small dark grey plume of smoke over a ridge in Castle Rock. I later learned that two residential homes were burned but at the time I felt the sickening dread of "fire season". My family was intimately involved in the Hayman Fire in 2000. Dread, fueled by slippery winds and erratic fire paths, toyed with our emotions and our property for days. Would we be spared? Sadly we watched acres of gorgeous Colorado mountain terrain be swallowed up in a voracious fireball.
Our arid climate not only fuels fires but also the pine beetle devastation that has stripped our ski slopes, leaving the scrawny brown remains of the once evergreen, majestic trees. What can we do to preserve the purity of our Colorado water and conserve our water?
Ideas:
"Grass-roots" Green Technology
This idea is personally untried, but our new lawn care specialist is about to help us conserve water on our lawn. The soil beneath our Castle Rock lawn is claylike. The clay chokes plant roots and makes it very difficult for plants, trees, and grass to grow. Each year our new lawn has progressively gotten worse. We watered as much as we were allowed (per water restrictions) but the wind and arid climate seemed to siphon off the water we put on it. We watch our water glaze over our grass, onto our sidewalk and down into the city drain just like a watershed. This fast water path leaves behind our still yellow-green grass. Frustrated, we researched weather-based irrigation systems but then our new eco-friendly lawn management consultant recommended that we put top soil on the grass so that the nutrient rich soil can work its way down into our clay soil and help break up the death-gripe of our dirt. Several applications throughout the summer should not only feed our lawn but also help with water absorption so we can stop watching the run-off pool on our sidewalks.
Advanced "Green Technology"
For those of you attracted to gadgets, our low tech suggestion of adding topsoil may not be that exciting. Many new LEED certified green homes include a water irrigation system that uses a satellite connection to receive weather reports at your home. The irrigation system then self-regulates the amount of water needed to keep your landscaping alive and healthy. Use of the water-weather monitoring software system may mean that you do not need to follow water restriction calendars. Check with your town’s water department to see what the restrictions are.
Looking for more?
Harmony Lawns – Non-toxic lawn care – serving Castle Rock and ParkerThey offer low emission lawn care and their rates are affordable. Contact them now to get on their summer schedule.
WeatherTRAK ET plus system:
Read their article entitled: Is Your Irrigation System Killing Your Landscape?
WeatherTRAK Smart Irrigation - Save Water & Your Landscape
to find out more about their self-regulating water irrigation system.
Ten Steps to Non-toxic Lawn CareThis article is featured on the Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund website.
Colorado Green Living - Green living for your health not just for our beautiful Colorado environment.
Happy Earth and Water Day!
Yesterday afternoon I watched a small dark grey plume of smoke over a ridge in Castle Rock. I later learned that two residential homes were burned but at the time I felt the sickening dread of "fire season". My family was intimately involved in the Hayman Fire in 2000. Dread, fueled by slippery winds and erratic fire paths, toyed with our emotions and our property for days. Would we be spared? Sadly we watched acres of gorgeous Colorado mountain terrain be swallowed up in a voracious fireball.
Our arid climate not only fuels fires but also the pine beetle devastation that has stripped our ski slopes, leaving the scrawny brown remains of the once evergreen, majestic trees. What can we do to preserve the purity of our Colorado water and conserve our water?
Ideas:
"Grass-roots" Green Technology
This idea is personally untried, but our new lawn care specialist is about to help us conserve water on our lawn. The soil beneath our Castle Rock lawn is claylike. The clay chokes plant roots and makes it very difficult for plants, trees, and grass to grow. Each year our new lawn has progressively gotten worse. We watered as much as we were allowed (per water restrictions) but the wind and arid climate seemed to siphon off the water we put on it. We watch our water glaze over our grass, onto our sidewalk and down into the city drain just like a watershed. This fast water path leaves behind our still yellow-green grass. Frustrated, we researched weather-based irrigation systems but then our new eco-friendly lawn management consultant recommended that we put top soil on the grass so that the nutrient rich soil can work its way down into our clay soil and help break up the death-gripe of our dirt. Several applications throughout the summer should not only feed our lawn but also help with water absorption so we can stop watching the run-off pool on our sidewalks.
Advanced "Green Technology"
For those of you attracted to gadgets, our low tech suggestion of adding topsoil may not be that exciting. Many new LEED certified green homes include a water irrigation system that uses a satellite connection to receive weather reports at your home. The irrigation system then self-regulates the amount of water needed to keep your landscaping alive and healthy. Use of the water-weather monitoring software system may mean that you do not need to follow water restriction calendars. Check with your town’s water department to see what the restrictions are.
Looking for more?
Harmony Lawns – Non-toxic lawn care – serving Castle Rock and ParkerThey offer low emission lawn care and their rates are affordable. Contact them now to get on their summer schedule.
WeatherTRAK ET plus system:
Read their article entitled: Is Your Irrigation System Killing Your Landscape?
WeatherTRAK Smart Irrigation - Save Water & Your Landscape
to find out more about their self-regulating water irrigation system.
Ten Steps to Non-toxic Lawn CareThis article is featured on the Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund website.
Colorado Green Living - Green living for your health not just for our beautiful Colorado environment.
Happy Earth and Water Day!
Sunday, April 20, 2008
What is "Green"?
Everyone is going green...
"Green" is the now popular phrase that describes a lifestyle, commitment, and philosophy toward sustainable living. The idea is to minimize human impact on the environment by reducing the amount of waste and toxins each individual produces so that we pollute less, destroy less animal and plant habitat and leave a smaller garbage legacy.
Everyone is talking "green" including HGTV who is giving away a "green home", Wal-Mart, who is now carrying organic cotton bath towels, and yesterday my national chain grocery store gave me some documentation about how their company is "going green".
To me, the phrase green is synonymous with sustainable living, it is just easier to say. Sustainable living means that you take the resources from the earth that you need without leaving toxic sludge or minimized resources for future generations. The idea is that our grandchildren will not be forced to deal with polluted waters, burgeoning waste dumps and depleted soils just so that we could have all the consumer goods and lifestyle we want.
Is Green a Fad?I hope not. While our interest and commitment in environmental issues wanes and waxes over the years, developing a habit of contributions like recycling, buying energy saving appliances, recycling computers and cell phones, using rechargeable batteries, supporting local farmers and ranchers by purchasing their food directly at farmers markets, nourishing your family’s body and mind with organic foods, and reducing our use of water and electricity are habits we can integrate into our lives and they truly will make a positive difference in the world – especially if many of us do it.
Green Means RespectNative American's have a legacy of respect for Mother Nature. Their culture and stories warned that what we take from the earth, we must replenish. Going green means that we have respect for ourselves, our families, other humans, other life forms, and the earth.
Looking for more?
Tips for non-toxic, organic, sustainable green living.
Shades of "Green" - Deciding Who is Eco-Friendly
"Green" is the now popular phrase that describes a lifestyle, commitment, and philosophy toward sustainable living. The idea is to minimize human impact on the environment by reducing the amount of waste and toxins each individual produces so that we pollute less, destroy less animal and plant habitat and leave a smaller garbage legacy.
Everyone is talking "green" including HGTV who is giving away a "green home", Wal-Mart, who is now carrying organic cotton bath towels, and yesterday my national chain grocery store gave me some documentation about how their company is "going green".
To me, the phrase green is synonymous with sustainable living, it is just easier to say. Sustainable living means that you take the resources from the earth that you need without leaving toxic sludge or minimized resources for future generations. The idea is that our grandchildren will not be forced to deal with polluted waters, burgeoning waste dumps and depleted soils just so that we could have all the consumer goods and lifestyle we want.
Is Green a Fad?I hope not. While our interest and commitment in environmental issues wanes and waxes over the years, developing a habit of contributions like recycling, buying energy saving appliances, recycling computers and cell phones, using rechargeable batteries, supporting local farmers and ranchers by purchasing their food directly at farmers markets, nourishing your family’s body and mind with organic foods, and reducing our use of water and electricity are habits we can integrate into our lives and they truly will make a positive difference in the world – especially if many of us do it.
Green Means RespectNative American's have a legacy of respect for Mother Nature. Their culture and stories warned that what we take from the earth, we must replenish. Going green means that we have respect for ourselves, our families, other humans, other life forms, and the earth.
Looking for more?
Tips for non-toxic, organic, sustainable green living.
Shades of "Green" - Deciding Who is Eco-Friendly
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Shades of "Green"- Deciding Who is Eco-Friendly
Today I read a newspaper article criticizing Whole Foods shopping market. One criticism is that they shouldn't sell produce from other countries, presumably because of the fuel it takes to bring such a shipment to the United States and then distribute it to other stores. While this is a sound argument, it makes me think that we should keep in mind that going green is subject to interpretation. Each person and company decides to what degree they want to help save the environment.
Some people make seemingly drastic choices like giving up their automobile. We may think they are noble because of their choice (or crazy). They offset their carbon footprint but then someone else that is even more devoted to environmental responsibility will argue, "Yes, you gave up driving but you still use fossil fuels when you take the smog producing buses and trains. You should give that up entirely and ride a bicycle, like me." This more eco-friendly person smugly commends himself for how earth-sensitive he is.
Then, his woman friend decides he is too proud of himself and she condemns his choices because his bicycle is made by adorable, poverty stricken children in factories insensitive to fair-trade agreements. And what is worse; consider the amount of fuel it took to ship his bicycle to him. What a waste of natural resources. "What you should do is walk everywhere, like I do," she loftily proclaims. I can see the reasonableness of her argument too but what about the shoes she uses to walk around in? Where did they come from? How many parts and from which places did the materials come from? What environmental impact did the dye residues have that were used to make her trendy "earth-friendly" turquoise shoes?
There is an ideal, eco-friendly society, and then there is where we truly are. Our societies are so far removed from native earth living, that it is honestly unrealistic to expect that everyone must completely revert back to that lifestyle. If someone would like to join an earth commune then that is great but to judge others and dismiss their own efforts at environmentally sensitive living or criticize companies that are bringing organic foods to the masses is juvenile and egotistic.
We wrap up our criticism in a stifling environmental blanket that thinly disguises the American love-hate relationship with success. Most all of us want to be successful and often that success is measured in freedom and some degree of wealth and fame. But when someone becomes too successful, we act like a blood thirsty crowd in old black and white films, yelling and swing pitchforks and torches, claiming "Kill that profiting (successful) beast!"
I believe in living in harmony not only with the earth, but with each other and with our selves. If you personally believe it is wrong to eat produce from other countries because of the fossil fuel costs, then you can chose to only buy local foods rather than criticize the companies that provide both options. The beautiful thing about America is that the choice is entirely up to you. I hope we will always have that choice.
Safe Green Living, Examining the controversies and misleading information about going green and earth-friendly living.
Some people make seemingly drastic choices like giving up their automobile. We may think they are noble because of their choice (or crazy). They offset their carbon footprint but then someone else that is even more devoted to environmental responsibility will argue, "Yes, you gave up driving but you still use fossil fuels when you take the smog producing buses and trains. You should give that up entirely and ride a bicycle, like me." This more eco-friendly person smugly commends himself for how earth-sensitive he is.
Then, his woman friend decides he is too proud of himself and she condemns his choices because his bicycle is made by adorable, poverty stricken children in factories insensitive to fair-trade agreements. And what is worse; consider the amount of fuel it took to ship his bicycle to him. What a waste of natural resources. "What you should do is walk everywhere, like I do," she loftily proclaims. I can see the reasonableness of her argument too but what about the shoes she uses to walk around in? Where did they come from? How many parts and from which places did the materials come from? What environmental impact did the dye residues have that were used to make her trendy "earth-friendly" turquoise shoes?
There is an ideal, eco-friendly society, and then there is where we truly are. Our societies are so far removed from native earth living, that it is honestly unrealistic to expect that everyone must completely revert back to that lifestyle. If someone would like to join an earth commune then that is great but to judge others and dismiss their own efforts at environmentally sensitive living or criticize companies that are bringing organic foods to the masses is juvenile and egotistic.
We wrap up our criticism in a stifling environmental blanket that thinly disguises the American love-hate relationship with success. Most all of us want to be successful and often that success is measured in freedom and some degree of wealth and fame. But when someone becomes too successful, we act like a blood thirsty crowd in old black and white films, yelling and swing pitchforks and torches, claiming "Kill that profiting (successful) beast!"
I believe in living in harmony not only with the earth, but with each other and with our selves. If you personally believe it is wrong to eat produce from other countries because of the fossil fuel costs, then you can chose to only buy local foods rather than criticize the companies that provide both options. The beautiful thing about America is that the choice is entirely up to you. I hope we will always have that choice.
Safe Green Living, Examining the controversies and misleading information about going green and earth-friendly living.
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Organic Baby Gifts: Clothes, Non-toxic Toys
Organic Baby Gifts: Bed Linens, Fun Outfits, and Safe, Non-toxic Toys
Give babies a true fresh start. Why expose them to man-made chemicals before their immune systems have a chance to adapt to life in our toxic world.
Does it seem a little excessive to buy organic clothing? Read about the chemicals incorporated into fabrics and clothing here. Flame retardants, pesticides, and formaldehyde are just a few examples of the chemicals in non-organic clothing. Decide if you would like to give your baby a non-toxic start. Organic clothing is still a new industry so the prices can be a little high. Because of the higher prices, organic baby clothing and bed linens make for excellent gifts.
Colorful Organic Onesies - Kimono style, Long sleeve, bodysuit style, short sleeve
Keep Baby's head warm, protected and comforted, organic cotton baby hats
Organic cotton baby pants, long
Organic Bunting Blankets
Organic baby clothing must be tightly worn in order to be considered safe by federal authorities. They are afraid loose baby clothing may be a fire hazard and that is why most baby clothes are treated with flame retardants. Keep your baby away from flames, cigarettes, and avoid the need for chemically doused clothing.
Organic Baby Wrapping Blankets
Organic cotton diapers, washable wool diapers
Bamboo Baby ProductsBamboo is becoming more and more popular. Thomas Edison planted hundreds of bamboo tree varieties on his summer property in Fort Meyers, Florida. He was trying to find an affordable natural rubber source. We are still finding new ways to use bamboo.
Organic Baby Gift Baskets
Wow them with these ready-made baskets.
Non-toxic teething toys -
some made from 100% organic Egyptian cotton, soft veggie toys, stuffed animals
Organic Baby Bedding and Linens Mattress protectors, organic wool mattresses that help regulate the baby's body temperature...
Give babies a true fresh start. Why expose them to man-made chemicals before their immune systems have a chance to adapt to life in our toxic world.
Does it seem a little excessive to buy organic clothing? Read about the chemicals incorporated into fabrics and clothing here. Flame retardants, pesticides, and formaldehyde are just a few examples of the chemicals in non-organic clothing. Decide if you would like to give your baby a non-toxic start. Organic clothing is still a new industry so the prices can be a little high. Because of the higher prices, organic baby clothing and bed linens make for excellent gifts.
Colorful Organic Onesies - Kimono style, Long sleeve, bodysuit style, short sleeve
Keep Baby's head warm, protected and comforted, organic cotton baby hats
Organic cotton baby pants, long
Organic Bunting Blankets
Organic baby clothing must be tightly worn in order to be considered safe by federal authorities. They are afraid loose baby clothing may be a fire hazard and that is why most baby clothes are treated with flame retardants. Keep your baby away from flames, cigarettes, and avoid the need for chemically doused clothing.
Organic Baby Wrapping Blankets
Organic cotton diapers, washable wool diapers
Bamboo Baby ProductsBamboo is becoming more and more popular. Thomas Edison planted hundreds of bamboo tree varieties on his summer property in Fort Meyers, Florida. He was trying to find an affordable natural rubber source. We are still finding new ways to use bamboo.
Organic Baby Gift Baskets
Wow them with these ready-made baskets.
Non-toxic teething toys -
some made from 100% organic Egyptian cotton, soft veggie toys, stuffed animals
Organic Baby Bedding and Linens Mattress protectors, organic wool mattresses that help regulate the baby's body temperature...
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Choosing Alternative Energy from Your Electric Company
A lot of people research global warming online but far fewer research ways to actually try minimize our daily environmental impact. Confusion over the rapidly developing green technologies, prohibitive costs, or perhaps the perceived complexity of getting started may stop people from advanced earth-friendly living.
One simple way to help support alternative energy consumption is to sign up with your local energy provider to use alternative energy for your home. You may be paying slightly more for your energy in some cases but if enough of us do it, then hopefully the prices will come down. We’ve seen this phenomenon with organic food prices. We do live in a capitalist society where consumer prices are generally driven by consumer demand (gas prices seem to be an exception lately), so eventually consumer forces could drive down the costs of alternative energy. Also, by selecting alternative energy for your own home, you not only let the energy companies know of your priorities but you also help support research in alternative energy technologies.
Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) (serving Douglas County Colorado areas) allows customers to purchase renewable energy credits and once your home is set up with the program, you do not need to worry about it again. According to the IREA website, buying renewable energy credits is a more simple, more affordable way to support green energy consumption.
Frequently asked questions about Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
Contact your local energy company to see if they offer a similar program.
Safe Green Living
One simple way to help support alternative energy consumption is to sign up with your local energy provider to use alternative energy for your home. You may be paying slightly more for your energy in some cases but if enough of us do it, then hopefully the prices will come down. We’ve seen this phenomenon with organic food prices. We do live in a capitalist society where consumer prices are generally driven by consumer demand (gas prices seem to be an exception lately), so eventually consumer forces could drive down the costs of alternative energy. Also, by selecting alternative energy for your own home, you not only let the energy companies know of your priorities but you also help support research in alternative energy technologies.
Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA) (serving Douglas County Colorado areas) allows customers to purchase renewable energy credits and once your home is set up with the program, you do not need to worry about it again. According to the IREA website, buying renewable energy credits is a more simple, more affordable way to support green energy consumption.
Frequently asked questions about Renewable Energy Credits (RECs)
Contact your local energy company to see if they offer a similar program.
Safe Green Living
Taking Your City Hide to a Country Life
Just as there are romantic notions of life in the West, some have romantic notions of life on a farm or ranch. I suspect that most ranchers and farmers were born into that lifestyle and from what I read; many are doing everything they can to get out of it. But how can you learn about country life if you were born in a concrete jungle or in a suburban sprawl?
My attraction to an exodus to acreage, open spaces, fresh air, small livestock, and organic gardening, may be cut short by my impatience with my internet connection speed, who knows. Still, it is tempting to think about living out among the elements instead of watching them on the Weather Channel.
Personally, I am interested in having pygmy goats and alpacas. They are adorable, great for children, have tax advantages, provide income through milk and hair harvesting and apparently, they are not very high maintenance.
There is a prominent alpaca raising community here in Douglas County and the free alpaca shows at the Douglas County Event Center have drawn me into their charm and income potential for their luxurious fleece which is harvested without harming the animal.
If you are thinking about leaving the city to get back to a more simple, natural life, and want to learn more about how to make the transition and learn about having, goats, chickens, alpacas, and even honey bees, then you may find the following sites fun and informative.
Looking for more?
Goodbye City Life
Easy to understand articles about raising and selecting goats, chickens, and honey bees
Pictures of Pygmy Goats – Warning: They are adorable, your children will love them
Free “Raising Alpacas” Newsletter
Loveland, Colorado Alpaca Ranch
Tax advantages of raising alpacas
My attraction to an exodus to acreage, open spaces, fresh air, small livestock, and organic gardening, may be cut short by my impatience with my internet connection speed, who knows. Still, it is tempting to think about living out among the elements instead of watching them on the Weather Channel.
Personally, I am interested in having pygmy goats and alpacas. They are adorable, great for children, have tax advantages, provide income through milk and hair harvesting and apparently, they are not very high maintenance.
There is a prominent alpaca raising community here in Douglas County and the free alpaca shows at the Douglas County Event Center have drawn me into their charm and income potential for their luxurious fleece which is harvested without harming the animal.
If you are thinking about leaving the city to get back to a more simple, natural life, and want to learn more about how to make the transition and learn about having, goats, chickens, alpacas, and even honey bees, then you may find the following sites fun and informative.
Looking for more?
Goodbye City Life
Easy to understand articles about raising and selecting goats, chickens, and honey bees
Pictures of Pygmy Goats – Warning: They are adorable, your children will love them
Free “Raising Alpacas” Newsletter
Loveland, Colorado Alpaca Ranch
Tax advantages of raising alpacas
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Find Colorado Farmers' Markets
The Colorado gold rushes filled many with hopes of wealth and encouraged them to go to great lengths to pan for rare gold nuggets. Today, living in a state where most think vegetables and fruits come from a major grocery store, I feel like the dedicated gold seeker as I look for fresh, locally grown early spring produce.
The longer spring days are urging my body to find local produce that still has its water and nutrient content in abundance. Because our climate is not like California or Florida, most of us have to wait until June or July to shop our local markets. At least that is what I used to think but Santa Fe has a winter farmer's market. I haven't been yet, but I am curious to see what is available there. Maybe Coloradan's just aren’t that committed to local produce.
Thankful a few hearty souls open the farmer's markets early so I plan to show up right away to see what is available.
Boulder's Farmers Market opens April 5, 2008
Fort Collins' Farmers Market opens April 19, 2008
Highlands Ranch Farmers Market opens early May
Durango's Farmers Market opens May 10, 2008
Find a local Colorado farmers market near you
Find a local farmers market anywhere in the United States
Shopping at farmers markets is a fun experience that not only gets you outside, exposes you to different kinds of produce that you may not find in the main stores, helps you learn more about sustainable agriculture when you talk to the local farmers, gives you a burst of flavor and moisture because the produce is fresh, supports local economies, and it is an affordable way to eat organic food.
Safe Green Living - Because not all sustainable living is healthy for humans. Tips for non-toxic, organic, sustainable green living.
The longer spring days are urging my body to find local produce that still has its water and nutrient content in abundance. Because our climate is not like California or Florida, most of us have to wait until June or July to shop our local markets. At least that is what I used to think but Santa Fe has a winter farmer's market. I haven't been yet, but I am curious to see what is available there. Maybe Coloradan's just aren’t that committed to local produce.
Thankful a few hearty souls open the farmer's markets early so I plan to show up right away to see what is available.
Boulder's Farmers Market opens April 5, 2008
Fort Collins' Farmers Market opens April 19, 2008
Highlands Ranch Farmers Market opens early May
Durango's Farmers Market opens May 10, 2008
Find a local Colorado farmers market near you
Find a local farmers market anywhere in the United States
Shopping at farmers markets is a fun experience that not only gets you outside, exposes you to different kinds of produce that you may not find in the main stores, helps you learn more about sustainable agriculture when you talk to the local farmers, gives you a burst of flavor and moisture because the produce is fresh, supports local economies, and it is an affordable way to eat organic food.
Safe Green Living - Because not all sustainable living is healthy for humans. Tips for non-toxic, organic, sustainable green living.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Why Buy a Hobby Farm
guest article:
Buying a small farm is generally an emotive experience. Every purchaser has a unique set of reasons for taking such a step, however, general themes can be identified and several broad categories of hobby farmers can usually be observed in most regions.
For Investment Interest
Astute investors will often purchase a parcel of land close to the urban fringe with the expectation that the urban sprawl will inevitably produce handsome profits from subdivisions or redevelopment. Such farmers will often carry out a minimum of work and may graze some animals in order to keep the property tidy. It is unlikely that long-term activities such as re-vegetation will take place.
For Lifestyle Or Privacy
More commonly hobby farmers have a desire to live away from the prying eyes of neighbours, but be near enough to the city in order to commute to work. Some owners may have little interest in working the property as a place for agricultural production, and as a result, carry out a minimum of work maintaining the site.A pleasant environment for the children is often cited as the reason for moving to a rural property. Others may combine the benefits of a rural lifestyle with the personal aim of land regeneration. The land may not be used for agricultural purposes, but there is a desire to see the site nurtured for the sake of fauna and flora. These are certainly noble ambitions.
For Retirement And Memories
I have met quite a few older migrants who want to relive past rural experiences, similar to their native homeland. Many such people migrated to the city, spending a lifetime working at menial tasks within a factory setting. An element of nostalgia is apparent, yet they take lavish pride in their farm and usually develop highly productive farms. Often these farmers choose to live in the city near their families and commute to the farm. Unfortunately, time is often against such people, and due to an inability to maintain the property with age, there is no choice but to sell.
For The Enterprising Spirit
There is also a brave and adventurous group of hobby farmers who want to try their hand at something new or novel. The range of enterprises is only limited by one’s imagination and in general a few years are needed before the enterprise is deemed a success or failure. In the meantime the owner may work full time, operating the enterprise on weekends. The majority of such enterprises are doomed to failure, but this is often a learning experience leading to success in the future.A very wide range of enterprises such as emu growing, native bush foods, snail production and garlic cultivation may be attempted. From hundreds of new projects, some will be a success, but the majority will be a learning experience at best and a financial disaster at worst. In many cases insufficient planning and research is carried out, or the owner soon comes to the conclusion that far too much work is involved for the potential returns.
For Passion And Challenges
In my case I have no great illusion or grand plan, but I look forward to the physical challenges involved in maintaining 5 acres with limited capital. I hope one day to look upon my farm with pride and to grow and share some of the fruits of this labour.
About the Author
This article is taken from Alf's Hobby farm site at My Hobby Farm. Alf also writes in details on farm machiney and implements covering Tillers and cultivators as well as Farm Tractors.
Buying a small farm is generally an emotive experience. Every purchaser has a unique set of reasons for taking such a step, however, general themes can be identified and several broad categories of hobby farmers can usually be observed in most regions.
For Investment Interest
Astute investors will often purchase a parcel of land close to the urban fringe with the expectation that the urban sprawl will inevitably produce handsome profits from subdivisions or redevelopment. Such farmers will often carry out a minimum of work and may graze some animals in order to keep the property tidy. It is unlikely that long-term activities such as re-vegetation will take place.
For Lifestyle Or Privacy
More commonly hobby farmers have a desire to live away from the prying eyes of neighbours, but be near enough to the city in order to commute to work. Some owners may have little interest in working the property as a place for agricultural production, and as a result, carry out a minimum of work maintaining the site.A pleasant environment for the children is often cited as the reason for moving to a rural property. Others may combine the benefits of a rural lifestyle with the personal aim of land regeneration. The land may not be used for agricultural purposes, but there is a desire to see the site nurtured for the sake of fauna and flora. These are certainly noble ambitions.
For Retirement And Memories
I have met quite a few older migrants who want to relive past rural experiences, similar to their native homeland. Many such people migrated to the city, spending a lifetime working at menial tasks within a factory setting. An element of nostalgia is apparent, yet they take lavish pride in their farm and usually develop highly productive farms. Often these farmers choose to live in the city near their families and commute to the farm. Unfortunately, time is often against such people, and due to an inability to maintain the property with age, there is no choice but to sell.
For The Enterprising Spirit
There is also a brave and adventurous group of hobby farmers who want to try their hand at something new or novel. The range of enterprises is only limited by one’s imagination and in general a few years are needed before the enterprise is deemed a success or failure. In the meantime the owner may work full time, operating the enterprise on weekends. The majority of such enterprises are doomed to failure, but this is often a learning experience leading to success in the future.A very wide range of enterprises such as emu growing, native bush foods, snail production and garlic cultivation may be attempted. From hundreds of new projects, some will be a success, but the majority will be a learning experience at best and a financial disaster at worst. In many cases insufficient planning and research is carried out, or the owner soon comes to the conclusion that far too much work is involved for the potential returns.
For Passion And Challenges
In my case I have no great illusion or grand plan, but I look forward to the physical challenges involved in maintaining 5 acres with limited capital. I hope one day to look upon my farm with pride and to grow and share some of the fruits of this labour.
About the Author
This article is taken from Alf's Hobby farm site at My Hobby Farm. Alf also writes in details on farm machiney and implements covering Tillers and cultivators as well as Farm Tractors.
City-dwellers Return to the Farm and Gardening
I am currently reading Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver (2007). Barbara Kingsolver is a popular novelist who wrote the lovely stories "Animal Dreams" and "The Bean Trees." Kingsolver is one of the few successful, creative women I've encountered who use motherhood and domesticity to cultivate their creativity, making it richer than before. She seems to balance the two with ease and good nature.
The book is also authored by her husband, Steven L. Hopp and her daughter, Camille Kingsolver. The authorship is just one example of the commitment her family took to bring awareness to the degradation of the food we eat.
Her family decided to change their lifestyle, move to a small farm and commit themselves to growing their own food and only eating locally for year's time. The book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is an account of their year. It is more than a memoir. They include resources, statistics about pesticide use, petroleum costs for food delivery, food diversity and variety changes, and factory farming. They also help city-dwellers understand why small farms are still critical to our society and not merely for nostalgia.
They aren't the only ones plucking themselves away from the convenience of grocery stores and urban living. Many people are choosing to return to small farm living as a way to live a sustainable, healthy life.
Looking for more?Farm Challenges: a hobby farmer shares his experience
Learn how changes in the Farm Bill could lead to fewer choices for consumers.
Organic fruit growing grants
Want to grow your own food without moving onto a small farm? Try organic container growing.
Non-toxic green product information
The book is also authored by her husband, Steven L. Hopp and her daughter, Camille Kingsolver. The authorship is just one example of the commitment her family took to bring awareness to the degradation of the food we eat.
Her family decided to change their lifestyle, move to a small farm and commit themselves to growing their own food and only eating locally for year's time. The book, Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is an account of their year. It is more than a memoir. They include resources, statistics about pesticide use, petroleum costs for food delivery, food diversity and variety changes, and factory farming. They also help city-dwellers understand why small farms are still critical to our society and not merely for nostalgia.
They aren't the only ones plucking themselves away from the convenience of grocery stores and urban living. Many people are choosing to return to small farm living as a way to live a sustainable, healthy life.
Looking for more?Farm Challenges: a hobby farmer shares his experience
Learn how changes in the Farm Bill could lead to fewer choices for consumers.
Organic fruit growing grants
Want to grow your own food without moving onto a small farm? Try organic container growing.
Non-toxic green product information
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Desperately Seeking Organic Food in Castle Rock
My husband and I moved from Littleton to Castle Rock, Colorado three years ago. We absolutely love the town but during the winter and early spring we find ourselves back in Littleton twice a week to buy fresh organic produce. I am deeply envious of the large Vitamin Cottage that recently opened in Parker and we often go there to stock up on their non-limp produce.
But the more I learn about developing a sustainable life the more I become convinced at how ridiculous it is that we drive 15-20 miles each way to buy organic produce and antibiotic free meats. However, I am not willing to give up organic food to eat from my local grocery store just to save on my petroleum use.
One may argue that large local chains offer more organic foods than ever before. I agree, they offer more foods with the organic label; however, the strict guidelines for organic labeling are continuously being lowered thanks to the powerful influence of conventional food lobbies. This dilution of the organic label allows more companies to affordably get into the game but it means the consumers are left with less healthy foods. Organic labels are quickly becoming meaningless.
To try and avoid this dilution, I try to only buy from companies who have been in the business a long time and who have higher standards for their organic food quality than the government imposes. I tend to think that companies who only offer organic products and who have been in the industry for a long time have higher quality standards. I will share information about these companies as I research them further. So while large grocery stores do have more "organic" food, I rate those products as better than conventional but by what margin? I do not yet know. Whole food nutritionists urge us to eat locally grown organic foods for optimal nutrient content and minimal adverse earth impact.
Eating locally grown organic foods is challenging to do when you live in states with long winters. Our short growing season in Colorado and seasonal farmer's markets also makes it challenging to eat locally. So the winter and early spring months find me making my bi-weekly trek to larger suburbs to forage for the healthiest food available. Meanwhile I hope for and lobby for a small natural foods grocery like Vitamin Cottage or Wild Oats to take root in fast-growing town of Castle Rock.
But the more I learn about developing a sustainable life the more I become convinced at how ridiculous it is that we drive 15-20 miles each way to buy organic produce and antibiotic free meats. However, I am not willing to give up organic food to eat from my local grocery store just to save on my petroleum use.
One may argue that large local chains offer more organic foods than ever before. I agree, they offer more foods with the organic label; however, the strict guidelines for organic labeling are continuously being lowered thanks to the powerful influence of conventional food lobbies. This dilution of the organic label allows more companies to affordably get into the game but it means the consumers are left with less healthy foods. Organic labels are quickly becoming meaningless.
To try and avoid this dilution, I try to only buy from companies who have been in the business a long time and who have higher standards for their organic food quality than the government imposes. I tend to think that companies who only offer organic products and who have been in the industry for a long time have higher quality standards. I will share information about these companies as I research them further. So while large grocery stores do have more "organic" food, I rate those products as better than conventional but by what margin? I do not yet know. Whole food nutritionists urge us to eat locally grown organic foods for optimal nutrient content and minimal adverse earth impact.
Eating locally grown organic foods is challenging to do when you live in states with long winters. Our short growing season in Colorado and seasonal farmer's markets also makes it challenging to eat locally. So the winter and early spring months find me making my bi-weekly trek to larger suburbs to forage for the healthiest food available. Meanwhile I hope for and lobby for a small natural foods grocery like Vitamin Cottage or Wild Oats to take root in fast-growing town of Castle Rock.
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