With the closing down of the Hostess brand in the U.S. this article may well be the autopsy of a Twinkie. But of course, its many imitators live on, along with continued production of authentic Twinkies in Canada, and countless other products that contain the same, unidentifiable ingredients. Years before financial troubles plagued the Hostess company, one man, Steve Ettlinger, was prompted by the inquiries of his children to find out what really goes into processed food. The outcome was the book, “Twinkie, Deconstructed”, and its findings prove interesting, to say the least. Of course, Twinkies are just a poster-child… read more

Peppermint can be used in cooking and also has many medicinal advantages. Originally from Asia and Europe, some types of peppermint are also native to South Africa, South America and Australia, and were later established in North America. It can be easily grown indoors or out, requiring only indirect sunlight and a relatively warm temperature. The plants will go dormant during cold months and reappear when weather warms. The perennial, as with other mints, are notorious for taking over whole yards so keep this in mind when choosing where to plant it. Peppermint grows ideally in container gardens. When grown… read more

Whole grains provide many health benefits, but not everyone likes whole wheat in breads and baked goods. For those who find whole wheat unappealing, there are plenty of other whole grain options, including barley. Barley has an interesting history. In ancient Egypt, it was used in religious ceremonies and in ancient Rome, gladiators were known as Barley Men because they believed that eating barley enhanced their strength and stamina. Barley also formed the basis of the English measuring system whereby an inch was equivalent to three grains of barley placed lengthwise, end to end, and all other measures were built… read more

Want to show a little appreciation on Mother’s Day with a gift she will love? Presents with the added bonus of being ecologically mindful are especially thoughtful. Consider the following ideas for Mother’s Day gifts that carry a meaningful message. 1. Sustainable Jewelry Handcrafted jewelry is always a nice touch, and pieces that are sustainably made will be even more appreciated. Acorn and Archer has eye-catching selections made from salvaged woods and recycled resources. For mixed metal and silver designs, alice roche jewelry features polished products made with reclaimed materials. 2. Handbags and Purses Moms need bags for all of the things they have to carry around. REVEAL… read more

Food waste has been gaining a lot of attention in the news, and statistics showing staggering amounts of food that is thrown out sparks a practical interest in how to save food and money from going to waste. One report featured by ABC News showcased the food practices of an average family of 4 and found that they typically threw away approximately 25% of their total monthly grocery bill, around the equivalent of 13 pounds of discarded food. That is a substantial amount to be thrown out, and when figuring that this is the norm for most families, it adds up… read more

Although an item may possess the ability to biodegrade, that does not ensure that it will. It is the environment that will either enable or prevent the bio-degradation of any object. Grapes and corncobs in decent shape have been found in landfills decades after they were thrown out. Whether or not an object is natural, the anaerobic environment of landfills are clearly not suited for the natural breakdown of organic waste. This is what makes composting important not only for the health of your garden, but as a measure of waste reduction. Even if you don’t own a yard, there… read more

Did you know that when you have finished your morning brew, whether it be a good old cup of joe or the fanciest of espressos, that those coffee grounds could go on to greater things? Yes, that’s right! Coffee grounds can be upcycled and there are several companies already recycling this waste item with great success. Back to the Roots is a company developed by two former college students. The idea behind Back to the Roots is growing gourmet mushrooms out of soil made from coffee grounds. Presently, Back to the Roots manages to collect, divert, and reuse 3.6 billion… read more

Many restaurants still offer one use beverage containers. Although this may create some apprehension in customers who would prefer not to toss out, sometimes you don’t have the choice. Restaurants alone generate tons of waste. Included in this is packaging from things like cups, in which billions are produced each year. Styrofoam provides one case where toss away convenience has lent to devastating problems. This substance does not break down, and left to sit in landfills can cause environmental and health problems. Though Styrofoam is still continuing to be phased out by laws and regulations, the U.S. still produces enough… read more

Wise farmers and biodynamic growers have long understood that you can use the moon as an agricultural implement. Numerous cultures still use forms of lunar gardening and abide by its guidelines for planting. Whether harvesting crops by the moonlight or growing by its phases, the natural rhythmic combinations of the earth and moon can be used to a gardener’s advantage. According to this form of planting there are different progressions similar to calendars that revolve around the moon’s cycles. These are the synodic, or waxing and waning phases, ascending and descending phases, and the sidereal and apogee-perigee cycles. Each cycle… read more

Sometimes found tucked into packets of white rice, if not overlooked altogether, black rice is a sticky variety of rice that offers a vast selection of vitamins and nutrients not prevalent in other varieties. Like other foods of darker shades, it is generally better for you than its lighter colored counterparts like white rice, which pales in comparison. This is not mere coincidence; it owes its dark shade to the anthocyanin antioxidants it contains. Its color also garners it the names of ‘purple rice’ and ‘forbidden rice’. Don’t let the latter deter you. The only reason ever to neglect this grain,… read more