Green Options

The success of organic foods was never a sure bet in South Korea. Since the Korean word for pesticides literally means “plant medicines” many Koreans have had a difficult time seeing what’s wrong with using them. But today’s ultra health conscious Korean is becoming more environmentally savvy too. Today, words like “blossom” and “bloom” are too mild to describe the exploding popularity of organic foods and environmentalism in South Korea.

As spring is in the air (when the north wind does not blow), I have begun longing for the good times my children and I have at the local farmers’ market and contemplating our participation as vendors this year.  I can’t tell you how much we look forward to our weekly adventures at the farmers’ market, and how excited we are if we happen to visit a neighboring town on the day of their market; however, that could all change.

H.R. 875: Food Safety Modernization Act of 2009 could end farmers’ markets as we know it by requiring growers to register, be subject to inspections of their gardens by federal agents, and maintain safety records related to food production or face large fines.

I spent most of the last two days touring the exhibit hall at the Anaheim Convention Center, fighting crowds (an unusual occurrence these days) and marveling in how healthy the natural products industry still is. This is my second year at The Natural Products Expo West, one of the largest trade shows for the industry and it was, if possible even more crowded than last year.

A new U.S. organics education and marketing campaign is aimed at families with young children.  The Organic Agriculture and Products Education Institute (Organic Institute) has launched ‘Organic. It’s worth it’, its first national consumer campaign.

“The mission of this campaign is to answer consumer questions about organic with the clear message that organic is worth it in every way from health care and economics to farming and the environment. It will increase consumer trust, knowledge and purchase of organic products,” says Christine Bushway, president of the Organic Institute and executive director of the Organic Trade Association (OTA), the campaign sponsor.

Mission Organic 2010 is an online campaign seeking to grow the organic market from 3% to 10% by 2010.  To achieve this stated goal, Mission Organic is asking mindful consumers to pledge to eat one organic meal out of every ten; to purchase one organic item out of every ten. 

“When we, as consumers, demand the organic supply, farmers and food companies will supply the organic demand. The result? Healthier people and a healthier planet.”

Supply and demand: it really is that simple.

Has Valentine’s Day always meant going out to eat? I suppose the tradition of the holiday (and those little candy hearts) is best left to another post, but since eating out seems to be de rigueur for couples these days, aim for making it as green as possible. A few joints in LA seem perfectly suited to the task.

Those that focus on organic, local food, like Akasha in Culver City, reduce the footprint of your special night out without reducing your enjoyment of the experience. Don’t think that local in LA means all avocados and fish tacos, either. Restaurants like Axe in Venice bring inspiration from around the world to their organic, seasonal dishes – Korean-style scallion pancakes anyone?

Is your family pet going green with eco-friendly pet care products?

Green pet care products are healthier choices for your family because they’ll likely be less toxic for your home, your pet and the environment.   While buying organic food and treats is easy, it can be challenging to source other eco-friendly pet care products.

Recently, I’ve discovered Marmalade pet care, a pet product design firm that emphasizes renewable/recyclable materiality.   The firm addresses ‘good design’ practices with “domestic sourcing; sustainable materials; efficient production and eventual recyclability of the product.”

At age 5, Connah Broom faced aggressive childhood cancer called Neuroblastoma.  Tumors stretched from his neck, through his torso, and down one leg. Chemo didn’t work. The doctors, afraid to operate so near vital organs, sent him home to enjoy his final months with his father and grandparents.

That was in 2007.  Now, his grandparents claim going organic and other alternative treatments have saved Connah’s life.

Editor’s note: The following post was originally published on Green and Clean Mom. “Green & Clean Mom can inspire you to try a little harder, be a catalyst for change and to offer you some new tips and news on how to be the green, sexy and sassy mom…I know you are!”

I like to watch those shows where the mom has this amazing pot roast ready when everyone comes home for dinner. The mom that can throw it all together perfectly and have the table set with cloth napkins.

I’m laughing a wicked mean laugh right now because I’m not sure who this person is or if they exist in real life.

Everyone I know is trying to make everyone happy, eat healthy and organic and not lose our minds! Take budget concerns into account, snacks and lunchtime food, it can be too much.  Grocery shopping is not my favorite thing to do but I’ve learned that keeping the staples on hand from the local health food store make life much easier.

Back to Earth Organic Catering is an awesome option for those of you that inhabit the Bay Area, and an excellent case study for city caterers looking to go local and organic. They are an admirable example of what every eco event planner is looking for. Back to Earth’s ultimate evolving vision is to“build the most ecologically advanced, energy efficient, consciously designed, sustainable community center in the Bay Area. Motivated entirely by a single, unifying principal - minimize our footprint on the Earth while maximizing our potential experience as people.” The founding plan is to build this community center, with an organic restaurant at its heart, to provide people in the Bay Area with an exciting, progressive, inspiring place to gather. .

Since it’s Thanksgiving Day, the thought of another big dinner might make your stuffed belly groan a little. Fortunately, this dinner is a few weeks away, so surely you’ll have digested your turkey by then. Plus, it’s a dinner worth planning for, because it’s hosted by The Organic Center in Los Angeles.

On December 9th, the Center’s For Our Children fundraiser will feature an organic gourmet dinner by Chef Domenica Catelli, one of the judges on Iron Chef who is also famous for her ability to get kids to eat their vegetables, without hiding them. Dessert by Chef Akasha Richmond, owner of the Culver City restaurant Akasha, follows. In addition to her restaurant, which is dedicated to sustainable, local and organic ingredients, Akasha is the author of Hollywood Dish and the spokesperson for SILK soymilk.