2010 New Year’s Resolution: Boycott Chemical & GMO Foods, Eat Organically

Organic foods, especially raw or non-processed, contain higher levels of beta carotene, vitamins C, D and E, health-promoting polyphenols, cancer-fighting antioxidants, flavonoids that help ward off heart disease, essential fatty acids, and essential minerals.

“On the average, organic food is 25% more nutritious in terms of vitamins and minerals than products derived from industrial agriculture. Since on the average, organic food’s shelf price is only 20% higher than chemical food, this makes it actually cheaper, gram for gram, than chemical food, even ignoring the astronomical hidden costs (damage to health, climate, environment, and government subsidies) of industrial food production. Levels of antioxidants in milk from organic cattle are between 50% and 80% higher than normal milk. Organic wheat, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, onions and lettuce have between 20% and 40% more nutrients than non-organic foods.”

For more info and to jump start your resolution, check out www.organicconsumers.org

A couple of clicks makes a huge difference. Come on! Dooo it!

Along the same vein as the post below about greenwashing… every one’s trying to get their dirty hands on organic labels. The organic symbol is supposed to show us good from evil – but with ever varying definitions of organic, it’s been convoluted to say the least. Click above to do your part on keeping organic labeling Organic!

Greenwashing is used everyday by thousands of companies, and is pretty easy to spot if you have your eyes open. For example, do you really think Shell oil company is “sustainable”?

Oil we take from the earth = Sustainable?

Hmm. Not so much.

Or… Do you really think Monsanto’s (THE INVENTORS OF AGENT ORANGE AND ROUNDUP AND A SLEW OF OTHER DEADLY PRODUCTS) roundup ready soybeans are going to feed the world and end hunger?

Hmm. Eww and Not so much.

Especially since third world countries are rejecting them! Saying they are unsafe!

I.E. – people who are starving say they do not want those dirty ass soybeans!

How can you keep an eye out and try to avoid being scammed by greenwashing yourself… bookmark these sites and check them out from time to time. I know, I know they are not as exciting as Perez Hilton, but hey information can be just as addicting as the latest picture of Spidey!

Corp Watch

OCA

Greenwash Report

Diascia and Kniphofia are total besties!!

And they are not like fake besties like LC and Heidi.

For more besties combinations, check out annie’s annuals nursery on the resources page.

I’m still debating if it’s worth going for just the shows, but I’m headed out to see Ken Druse and Topher Delaney. For more info visit www.thelateshowgardens.org

Iphone apps are all the rage… err something.

Well, the green apps are anyway! Here is a list of my favorite green applications to check out… (Not to completely sell out to Apple – but if we have to be addicted to iphones at least there are some great green apps for them!)

3rdWhale Mobile

This green app connects to the green businesses in your area. Whether you are traveling by car, bike or foot – you can find the closest green business around you. It takes a bit to connect, but gives you plenty of choices… as long as there is a green business for what you are looking for. Very easy to use.

Get Green

This app gives you eco tips everyday. Some of the tips are very basic, but I think any of them are helpful and can be inspiring. They also are updating this app all the time so there will be more and more to come.

Go Green Free

One of my favorites! This app allows you to evaluate different daily situations to determine how green they are.

For example – You can eliminate up to 2 pounds of Co2 by washing your clothes in cold water!

The different facts and figures allow you to learn more about how conserving and changing your everyday habits really impact the environment.

Gorgeously Green Survival Guild

This app gives you valuable information about the types of chemicals in things like makeup and cleaning products. You can find out exactly what is in the makeup you wear everyday. It also gives you info on how to read food and product labels.

EcoCal

Coming soon!

Although this is not out yet, I can’t wait to get it!

I have bought these calendars at hippy green festivals every year… they are beautiful and very inspiring. They show you a more ecological view of each day and how the seasons change. Great for kids or to hang in your office, too. The app will give you info about how the dates relate to migration, tides, moon phases, flora & fauna facts, etc. Love this one!!

**As all of these apps help with “getting greener” none of these companies are non-profit. I also have not included any apps that plant trees for you as I have heard many things about it being a complete scam… still researching that though.