Radiation in Japan's Food

We all know about the earthquake and the ensuing tsnami and the nuclear power plant. We know the devastation that it has caused the cities and towns of Japan, the lives it has taken. But what effect does these diasters have on food and agriculture? While on the Slow Food International website, which is a global organization founded to counter the rise of fast food, the disappearance of local food traditions and people’s dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world, (brought to my attention by the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver) I came across this article drawing my attention to the effect of radioactive waste coming from the destroyed power plant on the soil. I decided to find out more. I came across this article. Japan has already found traces of radiation in spinach, milk, and tap water in Toyko. Although the government says that the amount of radiation found is harmless I would still be concerned. This problem could get much worse. really fast. Read the article and tell me what you think.
~Organic or Die

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle Chapters 1-4

http://www.flickr.com/photos/lloydcrew/3279955360/
"Febrary 9, 2009" by Elizabeth Lloyd

When I first picked up the book Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver I thought, "Oh great, another book I have to read", but this book has actually turned out to be enjoyable. The book follows the first year of farming newcomer Barbara Kingsolver and her family. They move from the city of Tucson, Arizona to the rural area of southern Appalachia and make an agreement to eat better with as much locally grown food as possible. One particular thing Kingsolver finds very important is knowledge. We as consumers should be aware of what we buy and eat. Throughout these chapters (and the entire book) there are inserts from Kingsolvers daughter Camille Kingsolver and her husband Steven L. Hopp. I found the additions from Camille, who was a teenager at the time, to be very relatable. She speaks of asparagus in one addition. She speaks how she did not like asparagus at first but she wouldn't even try it. As she grew up she realized aspargus was actually very good. I do the same thing all the time, I thought I didn't like tomatoes now I do. This has happened with mushrooms, peanuts, and countless other foods. With Camille's reminder I intend to give spinach another chance! Perharps i'll try the spinach lasgna mention in the book. I'll keep you posted. If you would like to try any recipe mentioned in the book, visit here. :-)

After Aspartame It Can't Possibly Get Any Worse...Right?



http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/02/08/neotame-receives-fda-approval-but-is-not-widely-used-yet.aspx
"Splenda" by Sonny Abesamis

 I came across this article, click or die, describing an artifical sweetner derived from aspartame and appears to actually be worse than aspartame, called neotame. And this "lovely" bit of science was brought to you by....you guessed it...Monsanto. They took an already toxic chemical and made it even worse by adding 3-dimethylbutyl which is listed in the EPA's most hazardous chemical list. Not only is neotame more toxic, it is more stable at higher temperatures allowing it to be used in more products. Monsanto also refuses to fund testing to fin out if neotame is safe. Neotame is a chemical that Monsanto won't even try to prove is safe, is that the type of product you want in your body? I know I don't.
~Organic or Die 

Georgia Organics

Georgia Organics (picture)

Georgia Organics is a non- profit organization dedicated to bringing healthy, sustainable and locally grown food to all Georgians. Their website click or die, is stocked full of information. There are recipes, events to attend to learn more about organic food, volunteer opportunities, and even a quick way to find locally grown food. So take a look around and try out a new organic recipe, attend a vegetable gardening for beginners event, or just learn something new.
     ~Organic or Die