Natural and Sustainable

Pesticides in Produce:

12 most contaminated fruits and vegetables:

1. Peaches
2. Apples
3. Sweet Bell Peppers
4. Celery
5. Nectarines
6. Strawberries
7. Cherries
8. Pears
9. Grapes (imported)
10. Spinach
11. Lettuce
12. Potatoes

12 Least contaminated:

1. Onions
2. Avocados
3. Sweet Corn (frozen)
4. Pineapples
5. Mangos
6. Asparagus
7. Sweet Peas (frozen)
8. Kiwi Fruit
9. Bananas
10. Cabbage
11. Broccoli
12. Papaya

Pick a menu theme and make it organic:

Italian Tomato Soup
Serves: 4

1 tbs. Olive oil
2 tbs. unsalted butter
2 Carrots, scraped and finely diced
2 Celery stalks, finely diced
1 Large onion, minced
2-1/4 lbs. Ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
2 tbs. Parsley, chopped

Heat oil and butter in a heavy, nonreactive saucepan over medium heat, add carrots, celery, and onions. Sauté about 20 minutes or until very tender. Add tomatoes and simmer 25-30 minutes more. Stir in parsley and salt and pepper to taste.

Italian Sausage Casserole
Serves: 4

1/4 lb Egg noodles
1/2 Large onion, coarsely chopped
1/2 lb Sweet Italian sausage
5 oz. Frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained, squeezed dry
5 oz. Cream of mushroom soup
1 clove Garlic, minced
1/4 tsp. Dried tarragon
1/4 tsp. Dried marjoram
1 Egg
1/2 lb. Low fat ricotta cheese

Preheat oven to 275°F. Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling water 5-7 minutes or until almost tender. Drain. Sauté onion and sausage in a heavy, nonstick skillet over medium high heat 5-7 minutes until brown. Stir frequently to break up meat. Remove from heat. Discard drippings. Stir noodles and next 5 ingredients (spinach through marjoram) and salt and pepper to taste into sausage. Transfer to a buttered 2-quart casserole dish and spread evenly. Combine egg and ricotta in a bowl and spread over noodle mixture. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden on the top. Cool slightly and serve.

Easy Tiramisu
Serves: 4

1/3 cup Sugar
2 tbs. Water
2 Egg whites
6 oz. Light cream cheese, room temperature
1/2 cup Strong coffee
3 tbs. Dark rum
9 Ladyfingers, split in half

Bring sugar and water to boil in a saucepan over high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Boil uncovered 1 minute and remove from heat. Beat egg whites to soft peaks with an electric mixer. With machine running on medium speed, slowly pour hot sugar syrup into egg whites and continue beating until whites are stiff and glossy. Continue beating about 2 minutes until mixture is cool. Beat in cream cheese 2 tbs. at a time at high speed until smooth.

Combine coffee and rum in a bowl. Dip cut sides of half the ladyfingers into coffee mixture. Arrange rounded side up in a single layer in the bottom of 1-1/2 quart serving bowl. Spread with half the cheese mixture and sprinkle with half the chocolate. Dip remaining ladyfingers in coffee mixture and arrange rounded side up over cheese layer. Drizzle any remaining coffee mixture over ladyfingers and spread with remaining cheese mixture. Sprinkle with remaining chocolate. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 12 hours.

For more information on going organic and about Mission Organic 2010 please visit the following links:

1. The Organic Center: The nation’s clearing house for hard-core science and studies highlighting why organic products are a healthier dietary choice.

2. All Organic Links: If you are looking for anything organic, this is the place! All Organic Links is a directory of organic resources from A-Z.

3. Organic.Org: A consumer-friendly site offering fun tips for organic living and the latest and greatest in product news.

(Source: Mission Organic 2010)

*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip:

Getting Started Guide:

1. Start with fresh produce: Always shop in the fresh fruits and vegetables section of any supermarket or health food store. Be sure to seek out organic foods that meet the needs of all family members throughout the day.

2. Shop in season: It always makes good sense to look for in-season local fruits and vegetable. Thy are likely to be fresher and tastier-and a better bargain. In the late fall and winter months when so much produce is imported, it is especially important to look for organic.

3. Go local: local foods tends to be picked riper and sold fresher. IT tastes better, and uses far less energy in support of “food miles.” Plus, research has found an increased pesticide risk for imported produce.

4. Prioritize your purchases: want to know more about the fruits and vegetables that pose the greatest and least pesticide risks? Check back here tomorrow for a list of the “dirty 12″.

5. Upgrade your snacks: Dried fruits are a great way to replace a high-fat or sugary snack with a nutritious antioxidant-packed treat. Unsweetened fruit juices are also a good way to make sure kids get their recommended 9 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Organic nuts deliver both antioxidants and fiber and can be enjoyed in so many ways.

6. Buy in bulk: Look for organic cereals,. pasta, rice, flour, and other goods in bulk. Many foods available in bulk store well and do not take up too much space in the home. Buying organic food in bulk usually brings down the price to about what you would pay for conventional food.

7. Shop for color: Want more antioxidant and flavor bang for your food dollar? A good rule of thumb-go for the catsup, tomato sauce, pesto, salsa, and jams with the deepest, richest colors.

8. Convert your favorite recipe: If you have a favorite recipe-and everyone does who cooks regularly, try purchasing organic ingredients in place of the old ones you use all the time for the recipe. For example, oftentimes, you will have leftovers of baking ingredients you can use again and again.

9. Visit a farm: Get to know you local farms. Talk to farmers about their agriculture practice-notice the connection to the food once it arrives at your table in meal form. Farm visits are also great experiences for kids!

10. Go to Mission Organic: to learn more about getting started today and now.

*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: If you’re ready to add more than complaints to the next eco discussion, crack this list of books to learn how all of these started in the beginning. Also, read how to make changes to get us straight.

1. An Inconvenient Truth

2. The Omnivore’s Dilemma

3. Blessed Unrest

4. Cradle to Cradle

5. Silent Spring.

The Organic Bill of Rights:

Choosing organic is simple, healthful, and responsible. Produced by farmers dedicated to working in concert with nature, organic products are created without genetic engineering, raised humanely without artificial additives such as antibiotics or growth hormones, and grown without the use of toxic, synthetic chemicals or dangerous pesticides. Organic is out birthright; therefore, we declare the existence of these inalienable rights.

• A BABY’S Organic Right…..to nourishment that protects him or her in the womb, offering the best chance to reach full human potential.

• A WOMAN’S Organic Right…..to avoid risks to her fertility, to preserve the quality of her breast milk, to reduce her risk of cancer, and to a natural menopause.

• A CHILD’S Organic Right…..to reach puberty, naturally, with a strong immune system, and healthy brain, and freedom from chemicals that can trigger ADHD, food allergies, and cancer.

• A FARMER’s Organic Right…..to steward his or her land, protect his or her water, and raise crops and livestock organically and sustainable without damaging their own health and the health of their families.

• An ANIMAL’S Organic Right…..to a humane environment, free from confinement and from unnatural manipulations of its body. Together with out companion animals, the right to clean water and untainted feed.

• The EARTH’S Organic Right…..to fertile and “living” soils that help maintain a pure water table and ecosystem, and farming techniques that reduce energy consumption, store excess carbon, and promote biodiversity.

• The COMMUNITY’S Organic Right…..to purchase fruits, vegetables, and other goods produced by farmers who preserve and enhance the local natural resources and are part of vibrant American farming communities.

• Out AGELESS Organic Right…..to mature gracefully in a body increasingly dependent on nutrient-complete natural foods to support an effective immune system and to preserve healthy eyes, solid bones, sharp minds, and life’s memories.

• Our HUMAN Right…..to pure, wholesome food, as it should be.

The Nuts and Bolts: Need more details about Mission Organic? Visit mo2010-to learn more about the component of Mission Organic, who is supporting the campaign, and how to get involved.

Understanding Organic Labeling: Organic food is grown and processed by following the standards of the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Organic Program (NOP). These standards describe when and how organic food products can use the USDA organic seal. When you see this seal, you can be assured the item is certified organic.

1. 100% organic=foods bearing this label are made with organically produced ingredients only(salt and water are not included.)

2. Organic=Proceeded products deemed “organic” contain at least 95% organic ingredients (by weight). The remaining ingredients have been approved by the USDA National Organic Program.

3. Made with Organic Ingredients=These products contain 70%-94% organic ingredients and may list up to three of them on their main package.

4. Other=Products with less than 70% organic ingredients may only list ingredients in the ingredient panel.

*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: Turn down the thermostat. Doing so not only conserves fuel and money (for every degree you lower it between 70°F and 60°F, you will save about 5 percent on heating costs alone. But, studies show that it may also help you fall asleep more quickly and have a more restful night once you do.

Organic foods are better quality because of what organic farmers do to their lands and animals, rather than what they do not do.

Organic farmers manage the natural cycles of the earth and animals. Most combined crops and livestock to build better coil, have healthier animals, and prevent pests. Organic food companies use production methods that keep the important vitamins, minerals, flavors, and antioxidants in organic foods.

Organic Benefits for Animals and the Earth:

Animals:

Animals on organic farms are cared for much differently than on most conventional farms. They are given more space to do what they do naturally and access to the outdoors when the weather permits. The animals are not pushed to produce beyond their natural limits. They are not fed excessively high-protein diets or given drugs and hormones that make them produce more than they should. The farmers care for their animals in ways that promote health and avoid stress.

The Earth:

Soil that is alive is the skin of the earth. Soil quality drives farm productivity and determines the richness and resiliency of food webs. For both practical and philosophical reasons., organic farmers are focused on building the quality of their crops and rangeland soils.

The method organic farmers use to build up their soil also encourage a wider range of plants and animals above and below ground. These methods help clean up water and store more carbon in the soil. This is a good thing in the era of global warming. Energy on organic farms is used more efficiently because organic farmers rely less on energy-intensive chemicals and rotate crops in order to build soil quality.

Take the Mission Organic 2010 pledge today!

*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: As natural as sleep is, instead of buying a petroleum-based block of memery foam, invest in a luxurious alternative built of pesticide-free batting, natural latex and organic cotton flannel. It’s better for you and the environment.

Organic Benefits for People: With Misson Organic 2010

Organic food is safer and more nutritious than conventional food for all. It is safer because it contains fewer and much less risky pesticides. It is more nutritious because most of the time it has more vitamins, minerals, and health-promoting antioxidants. More information on this.

Antioxidants are natural chemicals produced by plants to deal with stress or ward off pests. On an average, organic foods contain about 30% higher levels of antioxidants.

Organic fresh fruits and vegetables often taste better. They are usually picked when they are riper as well. They are served fresher and travel fewer miles from the field to your table. Organic milk and meat, cheeses and yogurt, breads, tomato sauces, jams, coffee, and drinks also often have deeper flavors and richer colors. This is because of the way organic farmers manage their crops and their animals.

New science suggests that when foods have more flavors per bite they often contain higher levels of antioxidants. And when we consume certain antioxidants, they promotes both good health and a sense of fullness. This helps keep our caloric intake in line with our energy needs.

Pregnant women, infants & children: It is especially important for pregnant women, infants, and children to eat organic food. When mothers and children eat organic food, they can almost totally avoid the pesticides most likely to cause developmental problems. This is important because through age 16 a child’s brain and nervous system are still developing. Consumption of these chemicals can trigger developmental abnormalities, some with life-long consequences.

Elderly: Organic food becomes even more important as we get older. The elderly need more antioxidants from food because as we age, our bodies become less efficient at manufacturing our own antioxidants. Diets rich in whole and organic foods that are high in antioxidants boost our immune system, lessen pain from swelling, and can help prevent or slow down dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease. Choosing organic food, especially fresh fruits and vegetables, is a simple and practical way to tip the odds toward healthy aging.

Farmers: All farmers need and deserve a fair price for their products to support their families, communities, and sustain the quality of their land. Most conventional farmers now rely on government subsidies to make ends meet. Organic farmers rely on consumers and the marketplace for their income. They also do not receive the same levels of government support for growing organic food. Buying organic food means that a larger share of each dollar you spend will support the people who grow it. Conventional farms have to cover the costs of chemicals and other petroleum products. This sends money out of farm communities and leaves behind many environmental problems.

*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: Join a CSA. Support your local grower and eat more deliciously by becoming a shareholder of a farm that participates CSA (community-supported agriculture): You help finance the harvest, and your farm supplies you with fresh produce (and even meat and dairy). For more information and to find a CSA near you, go to Local Harvest.

How can you help reach the goal?

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3

1. Purchase 1 organic food item out of every 10 food items you put into your shopping basket.

2. Make 1 organic meal out of every 10 meals you eat.

3. After you join, ask 10 friends to join you and we will be on your way to better health for everyone.

Join Mission Organic today! Go to their homepage and take the pledge!

The Reality:

If the goal of Mission Organic 2010 is made it will ultimately:

1. Eliminate pesticides from 98 million servings of drinking water per day across the U.S. population.

2. Assure that 20 million servings of milk per day are produced without antibiotics and genetically modified growth hormones.

3. Assure that 53 million servings of fruits and vegetables each day are free of synthetic pesticide residues- enough to give 10 million kids 5 servings of fruit and vegetables each day.

4. Assure that 915 million animals are treated more humanely.

5. Eliminate 2.5 million pounds of antibiotics used on livestock annually-more than twice the amount of antibiotics used to treat human infections.

6. Capture an additional 6.5 billion pounds of carbon in soil-the amount emitted per year by 2 million cars driven for 12,000 miles.

7. Eliminate 2.9 billion barrels of imported oil annually-equal to 406,000 Olympic 8-lane competition pools.

8. Restore 25,800 square miles of degraded soil to rich, highly productive cropland-an amount of land equal to the size of West Virginia.

*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: Drink better wine: More and more vineyards are going organic or biodynamic-a boon for the land, the people who work it and the ordinary drinkers of wine. Plus, a wide range of fine bottles are now available-like northern California Chardonnay, from a top online purveyor.

There is a lot of good news about the benefits of organic food, and exciting research underway around the world promises even more. Millions of people are looking for ways to improve their personal health and that if their families. Others are looking for ways to support a food system that is safe and will continue to sustain itself and provide for our needs.

Mission Organic 2010 aims to help us all achieve these goals through supporting organic agriculture and reaping the benefits. These guidelines that will begin posting on Natural and Sustainable and run until Sunday, March 9th, 2008 will give you the basics you need to begin incorporating organic food into your daily life. And when you go organic, you will be fulfilling the Mission Organic 2010 goal of a healthy and safe food for everyone.

What is Organic?

Organic crops are not treated with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Animals on organic farms are not given hormone and drugs to promote more rapid growth. Genetically modified organism (GMOs) are not used on any organic farms.

About Mission Organic 2010: Mission Organic 2010 is an ambitious campaign with an ambitious goal, and they are enlisting you to help to achieve that goal. They want 10% of every food dollar spent by the year 2010 to support organic food production. If consumers demand the organic supply, farmers and food companies will supply the organic demand in return. The result will be healthy, cost-effective organic food that supports a healthy, sustainable ecosystem. It’s really that simple.

Where we are organically:

Currently, organic food sales account for almost 3% of total sales. While sales have grown almost 20% annually in recent years, organic benefits are still reaching just a small slice of the population and a postage-stamp-size part o the nations agricultural land base.

Where we are going:

The Organic Trade Association projects that if current trends continue, organic food sales will approach about 5% of total food sales in 2010. Mission Organics’ goal is to double that market share to at least 10%. With your help, it will happen.

What this means for you:

The “go organic” means better health for you and your family. It also means that farm animals will be treated better and we will be protecting our earth for future generations. But how much of an impact can you personally make by purchasing organic food? If Mission Organic 2010 can help increase food sales to 10% by the year 2010, the increase will improve the health of millions of people, especially infants, children and the elderly.

*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: Ditch the paper napkins. An elegant way to conserve, is to use cloth napkins. They not only look great but they also save both kinds of green. That’s money and trees. Wash them in cold water and line-dry for added bonus on saving money and the environment.